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Volume 39, No. 41 December 14, 2017 www.TBNweekly.com VIEWPOINTS Debra SaundersAre all national monuments an institution? Â… Page 11A. By SUZETTE PORTER Tampa Bay NewspapersCLEARWATER Â– Pinellas County commissioners spent much of a Dec. 5 work session talking about matters relating to transportation. David Gwynn, Florida Department of Transportation secretary for District 7, started things off with a presentation about the many projects taking place. First, he reviewed FDOTÂ’s mission, which is to provide a Â“safe and congestion free environment for all modes of transportation.Â” Gwynn said studies show that demand will continue to grow in the area with an increase of perhaps as much as 70 percent by the year 2040. He said todayÂ’s motorists want more choice on ways to reduce congestion. Â“ItÂ’s not just roads,Â” he said. Â“We canÂ’t build our way out of congestion.Â” He said FDOT was making a big effort to talk to stakeholders to build consensus on how best to increase road safety and reduce congestion. He talked about $1.4 billion in projects around the county that are part of FDOTÂ’s tentative ve-year work program. Three big Â“interstate modernization projectsÂ” include construction of a new Howard Frankland Bridge, which does not currently meet FDOTÂ’s design and safety policy, Gateway Expressway and I-275 Pinellas Corridor. He said work on the Howard Features Business . . . . . . . . . . .10A Classi eds . . . . . . . . . . 10B Community . . . . . . . . . .13A County . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7A Entertainment . . . . 1-4, 6, 8-9, 14B Just for Fun . . . . . . . . . . .2B Military . . . . . . . . . . . .9A Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . .14A Pet Connection . . . . . . . . . .5B Police Beat . . . . . . . . . . .8A Professional Services . . . . .11-13B Schools . . . . . . . . . . . .12A Seminole . . . . . . . . . . .3-4A Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . .11ACall 397-5563 For News & Advertising ENTERTAINMENT The Dec. 15 event to feature Southern Rock legends The Outlaws... Page 3B.Capitol Theatre presents the Green Grass & Yuletide Jam Photo courtesy of FDOTThe Florida Department of Transportation has plans for three Â“interstate modernization projectsÂ” including construction of a new Howard Frankland Bridge, shown in yellow, Gateway Expressway, depicted in blue, and I-275 Pinellas Corridor, outlined in red. Seminole re ghters to collect toys for families in need Fill the Boat campaignPhoto SUBMITTEDSparky the Fire Dog and Seminole Fire Rescue District Chief Lance Volpe ask you to come out and Â“Fill the BoatÂ” with toys for underprivileged children December 16 at the Seminole Walmart at Bay Pines. By SUZETTE PORTER Tampa Bay NewspapersCLEARWATER Â– Pinellas County commissioners got a lesson in how a coordinated effort paves the way for transportation projects during a Dec. 5 work session. Staff from Forward Pinellas, as well as the countyÂ’s Planning and Public Works department, talked about their different roles, including development of the capital improvement program that leads to the eventual design and construction of transportation projects. Forward Pinellas usually takes the lead conceiving and identifying projects. The planning department is responsible for planning and community outreach. Public Works programs the projects into a work schedule and is then responsible for implementation. Whit Blanton, executive director of Forward Pinellas, said his agencyÂ’s role was to create and support a multijurisdictional vision that encompasses the countywide land use plan, long-range transportation plan and priorities set by the Transportation Improvement Program. He said Forward Pinellas doesnÂ’t actually build roads, but provides leadership decisions. When functioning as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, it acts as the conduit for money coming from the federal government to the state and then to Pinellas. He said long-range transportation planning provides a Â“blueprint for future transportationÂ” systems and guides investments for 20 years. The current version goes out to 2040. Long-range transportation planning is required for state and federal funding. The plan is updated every ve years. The Transportation Improvement Program is a five-year schedule of state and local projects. Blanton said it allows Forward Pinellas to influence the state INDIAN ROCKS BEACH Â– The Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District is seeking interested parties to serve on a communitybased stakeholderÂ’s task force. The mission of this group is to identify any additional opportunities for operational ef ciencies, explore current/future funding concerns and identify funding strategies which are fair and equitable to the taxpayers while ensuring sustainability for the district. Anyone interested in serving on the task force may download the application from the City of Indian Rocks Beach website (www.indian-rocks-beach.com) or Facebook page for submission to the Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District upon completion. The deadline for ling an application is Thursday, Dec. 28. The task force will include the re chief, the districtÂ’s finance director, the board chair and single representatives from the following areas: Â The Suncoast Fire & Rescue District ( re ghter/lieutenant/district chief). Â Town of Indian Shores. By TIFFANY RAZZANO Tampa Bay Newspapers SEMINOLE Â– Seminole Professional Fire ghters Local 2896 will host their third annual Fill the Boat toy drive Saturday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Bay Pines Walmart, 10237 Bay Pines Blvd. Toys, gift cards and monetary donations collected that day will bene t the children of the Saint Vincent DePaul Homeless Shelter as well as local families affected by res and other accidents this holiday season, said Lt. Brad Dykens, community preparedness and life safety coordinator for Seminole Fire Rescue. The re ghters will set up outside the Walmart with their re boat and Sparky the Fire Dog in hopes of lling the boat with holiday gifts for children and teenagers in need. Â“We thought weÂ’d get the word out by using the visibility of the re boat,Â” Dykens said. Â“What better place than Walmart, right there in the hub of activity?Â” The re boat is a new addition to Seminole Fire Rescue, he said. TheyÂ’ve only had it for about four years now. ItÂ’s used for different types of surface water rescue in the Seminole area on bodies of water including Lake Seminole, Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Dykens said, Â“[Fill the Boat is] a unique way of using the re boat and it works great. People just happen to see the boat when they go in [Walmart] and theyÂ’ll pick up a little something extra on their shopping trip on the way out.Â” Those interested in donating to the Fill the Boat campaign can also bring unwrapped toys to any re station in the city, he added. The firefighters have collected more than $4,000 in toys and donations the rst two years they organized this initiative. All cash and gift card donations will be used to purchase toys. Â“ItÂ’s the re ghtersÂ’ way of helping the community and giving back a little bit to provide a little holiday joy to those in need,Â” Dykens said. For more information, email bdykens@myseminole. com or call 727-393-8711, ext. 210. Forward Pinellas talks effortsFire District forming task forceCooperation steers county transportation projectsFDOT updates County Commission See FDOT, page 4A See TASK FORCE, page 4A See TRANSPORTATION, page 4A At the box of ceÂ“Star Wars: The Last JediÂ” to open this weekend. Â“Ferdinand,Â” Â“PermanentÂ” will also hit theaters. ...Page 1B. SEMINOLE Scout helps sends items to troopsWhen Jayson Weiner learned a local nonprofit needed help sending food and supplies to troops overseas, he thought it would make a great project for his attempt to become an Eagle Scout, mainly because he knew it wouldnÂ’t be easy. ...Page 3A. POLICE Suspect arrested in robberiesPinellas County SheriffÂ’s detectives and Largo police announced Dec. 4 that a suspect had been arrested in connection with several armed robberies at various gas stations around the county. ...Page 8A. MILITARY 10K run to bene t military familiesThe Armed Forces Families Foundation announced plans Dec. 6 to host the inaugural Skyway 10K run across the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge on March 4. The Skyway 10K, Saluting Military Families, will be the rst run to ever be held across the Skyway Bridge since its opening in 1987, and 100 percent of all proceeds will go to support AFFF. ...Page 9A. SCHOOLS Pinellas schools rate highlyPinellas County School District recently conducted a self-assessment of the school districtÂ’s current safety and security practices. ...Page 12A.PSTA ridership increases Black Friday half-price sale draws riders ... page 6A. 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Seminole 3A Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017Scout needs help sending goods to troops overseas By JEFF ROSENFIELD TBN CorrespondentSEMINOLE Â– When Jayson Weiner learned a local nonpro t needed help sending food and supplies to troops overseas, he thought it would make a great project for his attempt to become an Eagle Scout, mainly because he knew it wouldnÂ’t be easy. Â“All Eagle Scout projects are dif cult,Â” the 17-year-old Seminole High student said. Â“Every single one is earned, and they wear them proudly on their chests.Â” Despite his prior knowledge, the result of seven years in the Boy Scouts, Weiner couldnÂ’t have foreseen a snag that took his project from reasonably hard to incredibly dif cult. After his 10-page proposal got the greenlight from Scout of cials, Weiner set to work sorting through piles of food collected at St. Albans Episcopal Church over the past few years by the St. Pete Beach Support Our Troops organization. Â“Everyone stopped volunteering, so they just sat on the food,Â” he explained. Â“So, every day weÂ’d go and sort through the goods and food. We threw away two 8-foot trucks full of food. It was a shame to see it all go, but it had to be done.Â” After the sorting was complete, Weiner and his helpers were in the middle of prepping more than 500 large priority mail boxes to ship to Afghanistan when he received some distressing news: a representative of a company that had agreed to pay for the shipping said they were unable to foot the entire bill. Â“Initially, a benefactor said sheÂ’d pay for the shipping, which is going to be about $10,000,Â” Weiner said. Â“But a few days ago, she said she only had $5,000, so I donÂ’t know how IÂ’m going to pay for it all. ItÂ’s up to me to nd another solution, so I need people to come together and help support a good cause.Â” Weiner had initially hoped to send all the supplies out in time to arrive by Christmas, but he knows that goal is not going to be met. Â“As long as I get them out during the holidays,Â” he said. Â“They know itÂ’s coming.Â” Despite the setback, the Eagle Scout hopeful wasnÂ’t about to give up. Â“I wouldnÂ’t say IÂ’m discouraged. IÂ’m hoping for the best,Â” he said. Â“My goal is to get the word out. I know thereÂ’s still good in the world and good people in our community.Â” Whether he accomplishes his mission or not, Weiner has already learned some invaluable life lessons from his endeavor. Â“ItÂ’s been challenging, without a doubt,Â” he said, noting only 5 percent of all Boy Scouts go on to become Eagle Scouts. Â“It changes your perspective and makes you realize in life youÂ’re not always going to have people to advise you and help. YouÂ’ve got to make important decisions on your own.Â” The experience has also served to prematurely age the teenager. Â“Now that IÂ’m into it, IÂ’m starting to get gray hair, and IÂ’m only 17!Â” he said. For information on Jayson WeinerÂ’s cause, email jaysoneagleproject@ gmail.com, call 727-301-4614 or visit paypal.me/jaysonseagleproject to donate directly.Photo courtesy of JAYSON WEINERKenneth Fisher, from left, Dr. Paul Fisher, Sedrick Fisher, Jayson Weiner, David Weiner, Garrett Fisher and Kim Siewert help out with JaysonÂ’s Eagle Scout project. 121417 STOP FOOT & LEG PAIN FAST!Use For Neuropathy and Increased Circulation With all natural oils, relieve night-time sensations of numbness, tingling and burning! Call Smooth Gator today 727-278-3137for your pain relief needsor visit smoothgator.com101917SAFE, NON-GREASY FORMULA$3995per bottle PRIVATELENDINGOur Lenders Base Mortgage Loans on the Value of YourProperty ONLY!CALL TODAY!305-923-4153 Purchase or Re nance Commercial101217 Village Plaza Â 1901 West Bay Drive, Largo Â 727-581-3637 Â WestBayClippers.com End Of Year Special HAIRCUT $ 7 7 7 5 75 With ADNot Accepted After 12/30/17 Same Owner & Location for 33 Years!Great Every Day Pricing!Full Foil High Lights $ $ 6 5 65 Haircut with Shampoo & Style $ $ 1 8 18 9 5 95 Reg. $22 Color Plus Shampoo, Cut, Blow Dry & Style $ $ 4 9 49 N 7 121417 Blinds Â Shutters Â RepairsOffering Top Of The Line, Affordable Products Including:Hunter Douglas Â Somfy Â SMI Shutters Bandalux Retractable Awning Â Bahama Shutters727-515-6227www.ElegantBlinds-Shutters.comWe Specialize in Personalized, Professional Service. Please Call For Your Free In-Home Consultation B 110217 1300 South Belcher Road Clearwater727-786-8191 www.affordablelock.com 888-999-LOCK (5625) LOCK & SECURITY SOLUTIONS LOCKSMITH SERVICES Â ACCESS CONTROL Â SECURITY LOCKSMITH SERVICES Â ACCESS CONTROL Â SECURITY CAMERAS LOCKSMITH SERVICES Â ACCESS CONTROL Â SECURITY CAMERASSAFE SPECIALS Free Delivery and Installation*(*Most Safes) ALARMS Â CAR REMOTES Â DEALER KEYS Â SECURITY CAMERAS 121417 10% OFF With coupon. (Expires 12/30/17) TBN

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4A Seminole Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017Frankland Bridge would likely begin in 2019 and include two express lanes running both ways that would facilitate evacuations, should they be needed, as well as accommodate emergency vehicles. In the future, one of the lanes could be converted for use by autonomous vehicles. He said work should begin in earnest on the Gateway Expressway early in 2018 with the project slated for completion by 2021. Three Gateway area projects are on the list, including widening of Ulmerton Road from 49th Street North to 38th Street North, which should be complete by spring 2018. The second is resurfacing of Roosevelt Boulevard from 28th Street North to Gandy Boulevard, slated for completion in the fall of 2017, and the widening and new interchanges from Ninth Street to Fourth Street North on Gandy Boulevard, also expected to be nished in the fall of 2017. Six U.S. 19 North projects are planned. Two should begin construction in 2020, and one in 2024. The others are in need of funding. In the summer of 2018, FDOT plans to start construction to replace the existing two-lane bascule Pinellas Bayway Bridge with a two-lane, high-level xed bridge between Isla Del Sol and Tierra Verde Islands. Cost of the bridge is $57 million. Gwynn pointed out that FDOT also invests in transit projects by providing grants. Projects that have received grants include the Central Avenue Bus Rapid Transit route in St. Petersburg and the Cross-bay Water Ferry. FDOT has pledged $438,000 to the city of St. Petersburg to help pay for the ferry in fiscal year 2019. FDOT also funds transit studies, including the Regional Transit Feasibility Plan and project development. Gwynn talked about Gulf Boulevard, aka State Road 699, which he said did not t the traditional de nition of a highway and was more like a local road. Gulf Boulevard begins at Pinellas Bayway (S.R. 682) and ends at Walsingham Road (S.R. 688). The 15-mile stretch of road is owned by FDOT. It serves eight municipalities from Indian Rocks Beach to St. Pete Beach. The roadway has a high volume of bicycle traf c. Gwynn showed examples of ways FDOT was trying to make Gulf Boulevard safer for bicyclists including green markings in bicycle lanes. The markings have been done in Treasure Island and plans call for them to be done in Madeira Beach, Redington Beach and North Redington Beach in the summer of 2018. Work also is ongoing to increase the safety of pedestrian crossings with construction slated to add crossings at Gulf Boulevard and 37th Avenue, Gulf Boulevard and 71st Avenue, and Blind Pass at the St. Pete Yacht Club in St. Pete Beach in January with work scheduled to be done by mid-2018. Gwynn said technology is changing rapidly and FDOT is looking for ways to keep up with it by designing roads that take advantage of the new technology via a Mobility Innovation and Technology team that is looking at where we are now, where we want to be tomorrow and how are we going to get there. He said it is likely that more use of connected vehicle technology will come before autonomous vehicles become popular. He expects to see a bigger impact of connected vehicle technology in the next 10 years. He said the future of autonomous vehicles is dependent on the publicÂ’s acceptance. FDOT plans to continue its outreach with the public to nd out expectations and let people know what the agency is doing. Gwynn, who has served as secretary of District 7 for only six months, said he has enjoyed his working relationship with the county and the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Â“I look forward to being your partner,Â” he said. Suzette Porter is TBNÂ’s Pinellas County editor. She can be reached at webmaster@tbnweekly.com. FDOT, from page 1A Screenshot by SUZETTE PORTERDavid Gwynn, Florida Department of Transportation secretary for District 7, tell Pinellas County commissioners about the many projects his agency has planned during a Dec. 5 work session. Photographer Jim McAvaddy captured this image of a Dec. 3 super moon and its re ection in Lake Seminole. A super moon is a full moon that coincides with the closest distance that the moon reaches Earth in its orbit, resulting in a largerthan-usual apparent size. Other super moons will occur Jan. 1 and Jan. 31 in 2018.Moon over Lake SeminoleÂ City of Indian Rocks Beach Â Town of Belleair Shore. Â Town of Belleair Beach. Â Unincorporated area with the re district (Oakhurst). Â Business owner from anywhere within the re district. Â Rental property owner (multiple units) from anywhere within the re district. The district Fire Commission is expected to make appointments at its January meeting. For further information, please contact: T. Michael Burton Fire Chief Pinellas Suncoast Fire & Rescue District 727-595-1117 www.psfrd.org Gregg Mims city manager City of Indian Rocks Beach 727-595-2517 gmims@irbcity.com TASK FORCE, from page 1A funding cycle, beginning with the local funding priority list. A new program is adopted each year and is amended as projects change. Adapt-Build-Connect is a guiding principle in use by Forward Pinellas that supports the concept that Â“effective planning builds public wealth,Â” Blanton said. He said residents in Tampa Bay spend about 60 percent of their budget on housing and transportation when they should only be paying 45 percent. Part of the reason is the need to drive to get where they need to go. Improving transportation would help residents pay less and give them more money to spend on other needs. However, Pinellas is unique. It is a redeveloping community with a limited supply of land and a big need to connect communities each with their own identities. Projects need to improve travel time for people to get to activity centers using safe transportation alternatives. Blanton used the Pinellas Trail as an example of a place where alternative transportation Â– not cars or buses Â– was feasible. However, there is a problem getting to the trail and from the trail to a final destination without using a car or taking a bus. After Forward Pinellas identifies and conceptualizes a project, the planning department takes over. Its staff relies on the countyÂ’s Comprehensive Plan, which guides the countyÂ’s future vision. Staff is currently revising the land development code and vision element, said Scott Swearengin, principal planner. He said the future revision of the transportation element would consider the shift from development to redevelopment, changes in technology and ongoing transportation needs. He said staff also is responsible for community planning in unincorporated areas of the county and working with the public to uncover issues and look for ways to solve them. He said todayÂ’s planning includes a more holistic approach. For example, if staff is planning for a resurfacing project, they will look at the surrounding context of the land use to see if it meets the needs of the neighborhood. TheyÂ’ll also look at drainage and stormwater needs and schedule all needed improvements to be done at one time. Ken Jacobs, public works division manager for traf c, explained how the Capital Improvement Plan is developed. He said Public Works takes all the construction goals and programs them into a plan. Then staff looks at how to pay for each project and then schedules them for construction. He said they were currently working on the years 2020-2030, which would be paid for with the money collected from Penny IV, recently approved by the voters. He said the cost of new construction had to be balanced with the cost of maintenance of existing infrastructure. Currently, staff has identi ed $900 million in needs. He said 45 percent of Penny IV was budgeted for transportation, which would bring in about $411 million over 10 years. Jacobs said staff was using a priority list as a guide to make cuts. However, he pointed out that other revenue streams, including grants, could be used to make up some of the shortfall. He said it was important to keep up with maintenance projects. He said resurfacing projects help extend the life of roads, but if the maintenance isnÂ’t done, more work is needed to x them and sometimes roads have to be rebuilt, which costs more. Commission Chair Janet Long worried about the lack of funds to do everything that needs to be done. Â“This is a pivotal moment to think outside the box,Â” she said, urging the commission Â“not to do things just because it is the way weÂ’ve always done it,Â” including budget and revenue. She believed there are sources of revenue that could be redirected toward transportation and infrastructure needs. Vice-Chair Ken Welch reminded Long about the Â“Stewart principle,Â” coined by former County Commissioner Bob Stewart that highlighted the fact that the county has in nite needs and nite resources. Public Works Director Rahim Harji said his department was working to improve project delivery by engaging early with stakeholders and improving communication with partners. A Â“portfolio approachÂ” allows staff to consider all the needs of a project and apply money more ef ciently. Â“WeÂ’re focusing on what we need to do, not just the initial project,Â” he said. County Administrator Mark Woodard said the approach helped prioritize by looking for projects that could take care of multiple needs instead of just one while balancing the need to take care of infrastructure. Suzette Porter is TBNÂ’s Pinellas County editor. She can be reached at webmaster@tbnweekly.com.Screenshot by SUZETTE PORTERCommission Chair Janet Long expresses her concern during a Dec. 5 work session about the countyÂ’s inability to pay for transportation and infrastructure needs. TRANSPORTATION, from page 1A Around SeminolePhoto by JIM McAVADDYMayor to collect Salvation Army donations outside PublixSEMINOLE Â– Mayor Leslie Waters will hold her annual Â“Ring with the MayorÂ” event Thursday, Dec. 14, 5 to 7 p.m., outside Publix, 7880 113th St. Mayor Waters will staff the Salvation Army Red Kettle set up outside Publix. She will ring her bell to enourage passersby for donations for the organization. She encourages residents to join her. Donations raised by Salvation Army fund its Sallie House program for children removed from their home because of abuse, neglect or abandonment. For more information or to donate money, call Mayor Waters at 727391-0204 ext. 102.SantaÂ’s Breakfast plannedSEMINOLE Â– Seminole Recreation will host a SantaÂ’s Breakfast Saturday, Dec. 16, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at the Holland G. Mangum Recreation Center, 9100 113th St. N. Tickets are $5 per person for individuals ages 2 and older. Cost includes a breakfast of pancakes and sausage, a visit from Santa, make and take crafts, and other holiday activities. Deadline to register is Thursday, Dec. 14. Call 727-391-8345 for more information.Magician to perform at librarySEMINOLE Â– Magician Elliott Smith will perform at the Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N., Sunday, Dec. 17, 3 p.m. This event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Friends of the Seminole Library. For more information, email friends@myseminole.com.SPC hosts ex-hater now advocate for toleranceSEMINOLE A former member of a violent right-wing extremist group who left that lifestyle and now promotes love will be the featured speaker at a dinner program on Jan. 25 sponsored by the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College. Titled Â“Full of Hate: The Toll of Violent Extremism,Â” the forum will be from 6-8:15 p.m. in the Conference Center at the Seminole campus, 9200 113th St. N. Media co-sponsors are the Tampa Bay Times and WEDU Television. Tickets are $25, or $20 for students and educators. Angela King, a Florida native who turned to hate groups as a student to escape being bullied, will describe her journey from extremist hater to author, scholar and crusader against hate. She will be joined by a panel of experts representing groups most often targeted by hate groups: Jews, Muslims, blacks and LGBTs. Serving a six-year term for her part in a hate crime in 1998, King found kindness and respect in prison from some of the very people she had hated on the outside. That transformative experience led her to co-found Life After Hate, a non-pro t organization dedicated to compassion and forgiveness that helps hate group members disengage from that lifestyle. Hate groups are on the rise Â– as is the violence their members generate. Since the violent marches last August in Charlottesville, Virginia, that left one woman dead and dozens injured, Americans are regularly confronted by white nationalists, neo-Nazis and Â“patriotÂ” militias spewing messages of hate at political rallies, street marches, over the air waves and, most predominantly, on the internet. Since the presidential campaign of 2015-2016 and the populist movement sparked by President Trump, the hate industry has undergone a resurgence. The Southern Poverty Law Center reported 917 hate groups in 2016, a gure which includes a 197 percent increase in anti-Muslim groups, from 34 in 2015 to 101 currently. There were only ve such groups in 2010. That surge was accompanied by a spike in hate crimes, with almost 1,400 reported in the rst three months of TrumpÂ’s presidency and 6,121 reported in 2016, a 4.6 percent increase from 2015. The Anti-Defamation League reported an 86 percent spike in anti-Semitic incidents in the rst quarter of 2017. What prompts people to join violent hate groups? How do their actions affect the American political scene? How does the Trump administrationÂ’s nationalistic bent broaden their appeal to mainstream America? And how do these groups impact the lives of the minority groups they despise? King and the panel will discuss their real-world experiences as they explore these questions in depth at the forum. Joining her in that discussion will be: Gina Duncan, director of Transgender Equality, Equality Florida; Hassan Shibly, chief executive of cer, Council on American-Islamic Relations Florida; and Jack Packer, professor of history, St. Petersburg College. The moderator will be Maura Sweeney, principal, Living Happy Inside Out. Advance registration is required at www.solutions.spcollege.edu.Seminole seeks basketball coachesSEMINOLE Â– The city of Seminole Recreation Division is seeking volunteer coaches for its youth basketball league. Practices are held Monday/Wednesday evenings, and games are played on Saturdays. Practice begins Dec. 11 and the season runs Jan. 6 through March 3. All basketball games are held at the Holland G. Mangum Recreation Complex: 9100 113th St. N. For information, call 727-391-8345 or visit myseminole.com.Business consultant to visit chamberSEMINOLE Â– Yolanda Cowart with Pinellas County Economic Development will be at the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, 7777 131st St. N., Suites 7-8, the second and fourth Wednesday of each month or by appointment. Call 727-392-3245 for more information.Seminole-SPC Toastmasters meets weeklySEMINOLE Â– Seminole-SPC Toastmasters meets Tuesdays, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., at the Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th St. N. Guests ages 18 and older are welcome. This event is free and open to the public. This personal development program is ideal for supervisors and leaders Â– or those aspiring Â– to learn vital leadership and communication skills. Contact Dennis Hamel at 727-374-2612 or visit www.seminolespc. toastmastersclubs.org.

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5A Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017 121417

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6A County Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017 By SUZETTE PORTER Tampa Bay NewspapersST. PETERSBURG Â– People are taking advantage of PSTAÂ’s Black Friday and Beyond sale on monthly bus passes, according to CEO Brad Miller. Through Jan. 31, PSTA is offering half off the regularly priced $70 monthly bus passes purchased at any terminal, online at PSTA.net or through the Flamingo app. The bus pass is good for unlimited rides for 31 consecutive days. It is not valid on routes 100X and 300X. Miller told the PSTA board during its Dec. 6 meeting that the sale, which started on Black Friday, Nov. 24, was proving to be popular. He said on average PSTA sold 25-30 bus passes a day at $70; however, over the three-day weekend, Nov. 24-26, 499 passes had been sold at the $35 sale price. He said PSTA had offered the passes at half off in June and sold six times more than usual, which was a boost to ridership. He said the volume had offset the price reduction. Miller said reducing the fare price might be a permanent solution to improving ridership. Board member and Pinellas County Commissioner Dave Eggers agreed, as did board member Joshua Shulman, a citizen member from St. Petersburg. Shulman recommended conducting a fare study and perhaps offering family and visitor packages.Safe PlaceMiller also announced that PSTA was now a member of Safe Place, a national youth outreach and prevention program for young people under age 18 in need of immediate help and safety. He said PSTA buses are a place where kids can go if they are in trouble. All they have to do is get on a bus and tell the driver. PSTA drivers have been trained and they know whom to call to get help. For more information on Safe Place, visit www.nationalsafeplace.org.Action itemsThe board approved charging a $9 a month fare for the Transportation Disadvantaged Late Shift Program, which had been free. The fare adjustment takes effect in January. Customers will pay $20 for a fare package that includes 25 late shift trips, one urgent trip and a monthly bus pass. Heather Sobush, director of planning, told the board that no negative comments had been heard about the change. The purpose of charging for the service is to make sure it can be sustainable in the future. It is currently dependent on grant funding. The late shift program provides eligible customers with rides to or from their workplace between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when there are limited or no buses running. The program allows more residents to take jobs on the second and third shifts and get home safely. The board also approved removal and replacement of the Pinellas Park circulator Route 444 due to consistent low ridership numbers. According to PSTA staff, Route 444 is the lowest performing in the system. The resources used by Route 444 will be reallocated to improve service on other routes that serve Pinellas Park. Staff will continue to reach out to impacted customers to help them take advantage of alternate services.In other business:Â The board unanimously approved its of cers for 2018. Janet Long will serve as chair. Joseph Barkley was named vice-chair, and Pat Gerard will be the secretary/treasurer. Â The board approved a memorandum of understanding with HART that includes sharing of a procurement director and risk manager. This is the second year PSTA and HART have collaborated on providing services through a MOU. Â Miller explained why he is recommending that PSTA purchase hybrid electric buses as opposed to diesel, which is a change from his recommendation in 2015. He attributed much of his thinking to the maintenance department due to its Â“repowering programÂ” of replacing components to keep the older buses running reliably. He also said they were more environmentally friendly. Â Miller told the board about an opportunity to partner with two rms that wanted to test autonomous vehicles with a pilot program in downtown St. Petersburg. He said the nance committee had agreed to a recommendation to set aside $50,000 to pay PSTAÂ’s match for one or both of the programs, if needed. Â Cyndi Raskin-Schmitt, communications manager, presented a preview of a modern transit advertising campaign scheduled to begin in January. The campaign will target non-riders will a public transit awareness message. It includes network TV ads, coordinated bus wraps and social media advertising. Suzette Porter is TBNÂ’s Pinellas County editor. She can be reached at webmaster@tbnweekly.com.PSTA's half-price bus passes increasing ridershipGraphic courtesy PSTAPSTA is offering half off its monthly bus passes during its Black Friday and Beyond sale continuing through Jan. 31. 121417How To Qualify for Medicaid Tuesday, January 9th, 5:30 pm RSVP to Ashleigh Fisichella 727-592-5858 8640 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, 33772 Income/Asset Rules for Medicaid Common Myths for Protecting Your Assets Healthcare Crisis Management Irrevocable Trust Planning VA Bene ts Service CenterFamily Owned 2017 ReaderÂ’s Choice Award BEST Service Center 10 Years #1 Most Extended Warranties Accepted KBB Certi ed Financing Available! 1st Place Winner Reg# MV-66432 393-2216 113017 8350 Seminole Blvd. $3998Pre Purchase Car Inspection!Peace of mind inspection. Written report provided. By appointment.Expires 12/30/17Is Your Sleigh Ready? 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County 7A Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017 County newsNew assistant county administrator namedCLEARWATER Â– Pinellas County announced Dec. 6 that Lourdes Benedict, director of the Pinellas County Human Services Department, has been promoted to assistant county administrator. Benedict will oversee departments responsible for ensuring public health, safety and welfare, to include Animal Services, Emergency Management, Human Services, Marketing and Communications, and Safety and Emergency Services. Benedict has served as director of Human Services since joining the county in January 2015. She previously worked with the Florida Department of Children and Families for 28 years. Â“I am excited to continue serving with Pinellas County in this new capacity,Â” Benedict said. Â“I look forward to maintaining our strong community partnerships with a focus on the health, safety and welfare of our residents and visitors.Â” Benedict replaces former Assistant County Administrator John Bennett, whose last day with Pinellas County was Nov. 30.Human Services of ces to close early Dec. 15Pinellas CountyÂ’s Human Services Department and the of ces of Consumer Protection, Justice Coordination and Veterans Services will close at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, for training. All offices will resume normal business hours on Monday, Dec. 18. The closure includes the following of ces: Â 2189 Cleveland St., Clearwater, Suite 230 and Suite 263 Â 440 Court St., Clearwater Â 501 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, Suite 514 Â 647 First Ave. N, St. Petersburg Â 8751 Ulmerton Road, Largo Â 301 S. Disston Ave., Tarpon Springs Â 14250 49th St. N., Clearwater, Suite 1000, Room 2 The offices of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County on Ulmerton Road in Largo and on Disston Avenue in Tarpon Springs will remain open.Pinellas EMS receives American Heart Association awardThe American Heart Association recently recognized Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services system for its dedication to successfully treating patients suffering severe heart attacks. The Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold Plus Award honors the collective work of the entire county EMS system, including all provider agencies, for implementing lifesaving practices that prevent potentially deadly heart attacks. Pinellas is among only 11 Gold Plus award recipients in Florida this year out of more than 270 licensed EMS providers. The award was presented during the Pinellas County EMS Advisory Council Meeting Dec. 7. Â“Pinellas County is dedicated to ensuring public health, safety and welfare for our entire community,Â” said Jim Fogarty, director of Pinellas County Safety and Emergency Services, in a press release. Â“We are pleased to be recognized along with our partners by the American Heart Association for our dedication to providing life-saving care for heart attack patients.Â” Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction, the deadliest type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood ow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, itÂ’s critical to restore blood ow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication. The Gold Plus award recognizes agencies that have implemented tools, training, and practices that allow EMS providers to rapidly identify suspected heart attack patients, promptly notify the medical center, and trigger an early response from the awaiting hospital personnel. The American Heart AssociationÂ’s Mission: Lifeline program helps hospitals and emergency medical services develop systems of care that follow proven standards and procedures for acute coronary syndrome patients. The program works by mobilizing teams across the continuum of care to implement American Heart Association/ American College of Cardiology clinical treatment guidelines. For more information, visit www.heart.org.Sentinel chickens test positive for West NilePinellas County Mosquito Control has confirmed a positive test result Dec. 5 for West Nile virus in two sentinel chickens. One was in the Cross Bayou area of St. Petersburg and the other in the unincorporated area of Keystone Road near Tarpon Springs. Technicians are responding with treatment targeting adult mosquitoes and larvae by ground and by air in the areas in addition to their ongoing treatment efforts. Sentinel chickens serve as an early-warning detection system for some mosquito-borne diseases and can signal that disease-carrying mosquitoes are present. This system alerts Mosquito Control to the presence of diseases such as West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, Eastern Equine encephalitis, and Highlands J virus. There are eight locations in the county where chickens are kept and tested weekly. Residents are urged to protect themselves from mosquitoes by staying indoors during the peak hours of mosquito activity at dawn and dusk when possible, using approved mosquito repellants and ensuring screens and seals are intact around windows and doors. Residents are also urged to be diligent in ridding their properties of standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as onequarter inch of standing water. Visit www.pinellascounty.org/resident/mosquito_ control.htm to find a mosquito control request form and additional information about stopping mosquitoes. Residents can also contact Pinellas County Mosquito Control at 727-464-7503 or through the Pinellas County Â“Doing Things for YouÂ” app. Single Process Color 11125 Park Blvd., Suite 108 Â Seminole Â 398-4587Walk-ins Welcome or Call for an AppointmentHours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Sat. 9-5 Closed Sunday $1295 Area Highlights or Low Lights $500 OFFFull Service PermLong Hair Extra112317 Hair CutFree Shampoo & Lite Dry. Specialty Cuts, Blow Dry Style, Design Lines, Long hair, set or curling iron extra. 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8A Police Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017 Police beatPCSO, Largo police arrest armed robbery suspectsPinellas County SheriffÂ’s detectives and Largo police announced Dec. 4 that a suspect had been arrested in connection with several armed robberies at various gas stations around the county. Largo police arrested Roderick Green, 24, of Tarpon Springs Dec. 4 in connection with an Oct. 4 armed robbery of the Citgo gas station at 1701 W. Bay Drive in Largo and for armed robbery and felon in possession of ammunition in connection with a Dec. 1 armed robbery of the Speedway gas station, 5798 Roosevelt Blvd. Pinellas County detectives charged Green with three additional counts of armed robbery the same day. The rst occurred Dec. 2 at the Citgo, 8195 Ulmerton Road in Largo. The second on Dec. 3 at the Speedway gas station, 11708 Seminole Blvd. in Seminole, and the third on Dec. 3 at the Circle K gas station, 3170 Tampa Road in Oldsmar. Green is being held at the Pinellas County Jail on $310,000 bail. According to PCSO detectives, two suspects were armed with what appeared to be a black semi-automatic handgun when they entered the Citgo gas station on Dec. 2. They demanded money from the store clerk and then ed with an undisclosed amount of cash in a vehicle occupied by a third suspect. The next night, Dec. 3, two suspects robbed the Speedway in Seminole and the Circle K at 3170 Tampa Road in Oldsmar. Detectives say shortly after the robbery in Oldsmar, deputies saw a vehicle matching the description of vehicle that had ed from the scene. With the assistance of the sheriffÂ’s helicopter, deputies followed the vehicle. When deputies Â“engagedÂ” the vehicle, the suspects abandoned it and ed on foot in the unincorporated area of Largo. K-9 deputies found James France, 24, of Clearwater hiding in the backyard of a residence. France suffered a dog bite after he refused to comply with deputies, according to a media release. He was transported to Northside Hospital for treatment of a minor injury. After being released from the hospital, France was charged with loitering, prowling and resisting arrest without violence. Detectives say additional criminal charges are possible. A third suspect in the case surrendered to Largo police Dec. 4. Willie Cunningham, 23, a Clearwater transient, was arrested and charged with two counts of armed robbery in connection with robberies that occurred on Oct. 4. The rst robbery was at the Citgo gas station, 1701 W. Bay Drive, and the second at a Chevron gas station, 790 E. Bay Drive. Largo police and the Pinellas County SheriffÂ’s Of ce had been looking for Cunningham as a person of interest in a series of robberies that Largo PD said had been occurring since December 2016. Neighboring police agencies report similar robberies in which the suspects Â“went to great lengths to conceal their identities by using masks and/or hoodies,Â” according to a media release from Largo PD. In some cases, gloves were worn. Cunningham is being held in the county jail on bail of $100,000. Anyone with information about these robberies is asked to call Largo police detectives Jill Freire or Brendan Arlington at 727-587-6730, or Pinellas County SheriffÂ’s Cpl. J. Loftus with the Robbery/Homicide Unit at 727-582-6952 or email at jloftus@pcsonet.com. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www. crimestoppersofpinellas.org.Pinellas detectives seek help to ID armed robbery suspectPinellas County SheriffÂ’s detectives are seeking help from the public to identify an armed robbery suspect who has robbed at least six convenience stores within multiple jurisdictions in the county between Oct. 29 and Nov. 7. The robberies occurred at the following locations: Â Speedway 5010 Tampa Road, Oldsmar Â Chevron gas station 39720 U.S. 19 N., Tarpon Springs Â Circle K 3170 Tampa Road, Oldsmar Â Friendly FreddieÂ’s 5801 62nd Ave. N., Pinellas Park Â 7-Eleven 3000 49th St. N., St. Petersburg Â 7-Eleven 2632 Park St. N., St. PetersburgAccording to detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit, the suspect is targeting convenience stores. Once inside, he threatened the clerk with a knife in all but one of the six robberies. In one of the six, he used a handgun. After taking an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect then ees from the store on foot to an awaiting vehicle described as a dark-colored sedan.The suspect is described as a white male, in his late 20s to early 30s, about 6 feet to 6 feet 3 inches tall with a medium build. He was last seen on Nov. 7, wearing a black hoodie, baggie jeans, and nylon half mask wearing gloves. Anyone with information on these robberies is asked to contact Detective A. Scarpati of the Robbery/Homicide Unit at 727-582-6200, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org. Surveillance video of the suspect can be viewed on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/7yM9PeM96r8.Pinellas Park man arrested for grand theftLARGO Â– Largo police Economics Crimes detectives arrested a 51-yearold Pinellas Park man Dec. 5 for grand theft of more than $800,000 from his employer. Police say Christopher McGowan began working as the comptroller for Business Card Express in 2002. He is accused of stealing about $800,000 between November 2010 and October 2017. Police say he fraudulently opened an American Express card in the business name and used it for personal expenses, which he paid for with funds from the business account. He also changed the payroll deductions for his check, costing the company about $4,400. In addition, police say Â“there is an indicationÂ” that McGowan may have taken as much as $200,000 from 2008-2010; however, they are still working to obtain records from that time. According to a media release, McGowan has confessed to the theft. He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on one charge of grand theft. Bail was set at $50,000.SUZETTE PORTER Roderick Green Willie Cunningham Cannabis Certi cations NOW OPEN A unique medical facility dedicated to evaluating and treating patients who qualify for the use of Medical Marijuana. Improving quality of life with a natural alternative to harmful pharmaceuticals. Board Certi ed Physician and Cannabis Consultants available now to answer any questions you may have.Call Today For Free Prequali cations727-440-7786PinellasCannabis.com6499 38th Ave. N. Suite C1 St. Petersburg, FL 33710 102617 727-596-2995 Â WeSellPinellas.com081017 AmericaÂ’s Leading Discount Real Estate Company WeWill Sell Your Home For As Low As$2,995!PAID AT CLOSING Century 21 Real Estate Champions4350 Duhme Road, Madeira Beach, FL 33708727-398-2774www.c21champs.com Â c21champ@aol.com www.c21c h a m 121417 Located right next to the Pinellas Trail. All ages welcome in this roomy 2BR/2BA. 1353 Sq. Ft. unit which comes with a 1 car garage and attic space! Freshly painted interior, brand new carpeting, vaulted ceilings, wood burning fireplace, inside laundry and bonus room. Pelican Place has a private brick paved street, shaded by mature trees and located in a non-evacuation zone. Minutes away from the Gulf Beaches, hurry on over to see this beautiful condo in this unique community. MLS#U7830520. Schnitzler & Bartoli. $185,000. Solid 3BR/2BA1CG and Carport. Home has a split bedroom plan and offers extra space with a large living room and family room. Backyard has a lovely covered patio area and there is room for a pool. New roof and A/C system installed in 2016. Walking distance to shopping, parks, and recreation. Short commute to Tampa and downtown St. Pete. MLS#U7830958. Gaskin. $219,999. SEMINOLE POOL HOME Bring your boat or RV plenty of space! Beautiful 3BR (split plan)/2BA pool home at the end of a cul-de-sac. Remodeled kitchen, updated bathrooms, brand new roof, new thermal windows, giant gorgeous fenced yard. Terri c neighborhood that is convenient to everything! MLS#U7836121. English. $374,900. Gated community built in 2005, near downtown St. Petersburg, USF, Stetson University, schools and hospitals. 1,538 sf; has 2BA + den/office/2.5BA with laundry room and screened in lanai. Pet friendly, all ages. MLS#U7836316. Devine. $147,000. 2 Duplexes on nice large corner lot, nearly 1/2 acre. Great potential to bring in REVENUE!!!! West Bay District Redevelopment recently changed land usage to Â“Mixed Use Corridor.Â” Not only Multi-Family use but could be Professional, General Of ce, Convenience store, Indoor Recreation, Youth center or build office or store with residence on top. Blocks away from Historic West Bay Dr.. 15/30 minutes away from Gulf beaches, Downtown Clearwater, St Pete/ Clearwater Airport. MLS#U7836428. Champagne. $395,000. 1941 BUNGALOW 3/1/1 CENTRALLY LOCATED IN THE KENWOOD AREA. Home offers character and charm from the private front porch to the arched doorways and hardwood floors. Inside utility room. Home sits on a corner, oversized lot with plenty of parking for RV or boat, or room for a pool! Located in a great neighborhood with great schools convenient to the interstate, downtown areas and shopping. MLS#U7836510. Bombard. $169,000. CLEARWATER POOL HOME Enjoy your 3BR/2BA/1 CG Pool home while sitting by your pool in the lush tropical fenced backyard! Room off Master Bedroom could be nursery/office. Galley kitchen has wood countertops and opens to the dining room and family room with sliders to pool and patio area. Inside laundry. Lots of storage. Big shed. RV/boat parking. Close to elementary school and minutes to fantastic beaches and stores. MLS#U7838619. Jarnberg. $274,900. TOTALLY REMODELED Move-in Ready! Beautiful 4BR/2BA home has new roof, new windows, new A/C and new electrical panel. Brand new kitchen appliances with granite countertops and fenced in backyard. Located near Azalea Park, shopping, movie theaters and short distance to our Beautiful Gulf Beaches. MLS#U7838675. Lambeck. $250,000. WATERFRONT POOL HOME Fully Remodeled 3/2/2. Spacious, open oor plan with designer travertine tile throughout. Updated kitchen has maple wood cabinets and top of the line marble counter top, breakfast bar, built in wine cooler, designer wine rack and amazing backsplash tile. Top of the line newer seawall replaced in 2007 and boat dock offers a 10,000 lb lift. Back of the house has a southern exposure so you can see the Sunrise and Sunset. MLS#U7840728. Erbeck. $749,000. 1BR/1BA unit tastefully decorated and being sold furnished. The Â“Family OrientedÂ” Jefferson House known for its friendly atmosphere and active social gatherings. Amenities include Tennis Courts, Heated & Cooled Pools, Shuffleboard and Tennis Courts, MARINA, Fishing Pier, Fitness Center, Clubhouse with Full-Time Social Director and much more. Gated and 24/7 Security Guards. MLS#U7806688. McElroy. $93,500. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION JEFFERSON HOUSE AT SEA TOWERS PELICAN PLACE GREAT OPPORTUNITY COQUINA KEY TOWNHOMES 110217 WhatÂ’s Selling in Pinellas County 4 Bedroom / 4 Bath Tarpon Springs $444,000 3 Bedroom / 2 Bath Belleair Beach $430,000 Executive Tarpon pool home in Grassy Pointe. Huge ChefÂ’s kitchen, natural gas range, solid wood cabinetry, granite and SS appliances. Great room w.plantation shutters opens to outdoor screen enclosed paradise with wood deck and pavers. Kim AdamsKeller Williams Realty, Palm Harbor Enjoy relaxing outdoor living at this stunning 3,635 sq. ft. waterfront home overlooking a Pebble Tec pool as well as an open water expanse and the Belleair Bridge. 4 Bedroom / 2.5 Bath Belleair Beach $1,575,900 SOLD SOLD Move-in ready home with large open oor plan that is perfect for entertaining. New appliances in kitchen that opens up to beautiful dining room and family room. Just a stoneÂ’s throw from the Gulf of Mexico and a semi-private beach around the corner. SOLD Light and bright rst oor condo with a carport. Be amazed at the great views of the lagoon, Intracoastal and beautiful lawn.Updated white kitchen cabinets, white appliances, laminate and carpet throughout. 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath St. Petersburg $150,000 SOLDRita SwopeCentury 21 Real Estate ChampionsMartha ThornColdwell Banker/The Thorn CollectionCaroleanne VoracFuture Home Realty The Vorac Group Real estate newsmakers Keller Williams Gulfside names top teams, agents for OctoberLARGO Â– Keller Williams Gulfside Realty recently recognized its top teams and individual agents for the month of October. The following teams and agents achieved the top gross commission income for the month: Burwell Realtor Group, The Hastings Team, Mary Jo Cox, Calvin Van Auken, and Anna Darring. Smith & AssociatesÂ’ Phillips graduates from Maestro Leadership programNikki Phillips, vice president of real estate at Smith & Associates Real Estate, recently graduated from the invite-only 2017 Maestro Leadership Certi cation program offered by the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Leading Real Estate Companies of the World is comprised of the top 550 real estate companies in the United States of America. Of those top 550 companies, only 36 real estate branch sales managers from top brokerages around the country were invited and graduated from this yearÂ’s prestigious Maestro Leadership Certi cation program. Â“With Maestro Leadership certi cation, I can return to Smith & Associates Real Estate with learning that will help our associates do more, earn more and be more ef cient in the way they serve our clients,Â” said Phillips in a press release. RE/MAX ACR Elite Group names top agentsBELLEAIR Â– RE/MAX ACR Elite Group recently recognized the top agents in the Belleair of ce in closed sales for the month of November. The No. 1 agent was Lana Rosenbaum. The No. 2 was Dorita Mayeux. The No. 3 was Kelly Castellano. Reese af liates with Coldwell BankerBELLEAIR BLUFFS Â– Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate recently welcomed Ellen Reese. Reese joins Coldwell Banker as a sales associate with the Belleair of ce. She specializes in residential property sales. Â“ItÂ’s a privilege to be a member of such an elite organization as Coldwell Banker and I am proud to continue in the path of this professional, outstanding real estate company,Â” Reese said in a press release. Â“We are very happy to welcome Ellen to the Coldwell Banker network,Â” said Debra McMillen, managing broker of the Clearwater Beach and Belleair of ces. Donna and Bob Hastings Andy Burwell Mary Jo CoxAnna Darring Calvin Van Auken Lana RosenbaumKelly Castellano Dorita Mayeux Ellen Reese N o j o b t o o No job too B I G BIG o r t o o or too s m a l l small ! w w w m a l o n e y s o d c o m www.maloneysod.comserving Pinellas County for 40 years 727-443-2384 S O D SOD L A W N R E P L A C E M E N T LAWN REPLACEMENT M e r r y C h r i s t m a s Merry Christmas F r o m M A L O N E Y Â’ S From MALONEYÂ’S Name: Real Estate Champions *C-21 Color: Black Ad Number: 130200 Sales Rep: 207 Name: House Ads* Color: Black plus one Ad Number: 130392 Sales Rep: 306

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Military 9A Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017 Military newsST. PETERSBURG Â– The Armed Forces Families Foundation announced plans Dec. 6 to host the inaugural Skyway 10K run across the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge on March 4. The Skyway 10K, Saluting Military Families, will be the rst run to ever be held across the Skyway Bridge since its opening in 1987, and 100 percent of all proceeds will go to support AFFF. Â“I am thrilled to welcome the inaugural Skyway 10K race to Tampa Bay, and our side of the bridge,Â” said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman in a press release. Â“In particular, I want to thank the organizers of the Skyway 10K for honoring the Armed Forces Families Foundation. Families with loved ones serving in the military deserve our support. I am glad this outstanding race will bene t such a worthy cause.Â” The run will begin on I-275 at the rest area just south of the bridge and end at the rest area on the north side of the bridge, which is 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles. The Skyway is scheduled to be only closed northbound at 4 a.m. and is scheduled to reopen by 10 a.m. Participants will be bused from Tropicana Field to the south end of the bridge and then will be picked up by buses on the north end of the bridge to return to Tropicana Field for the awards ceremony. All award medals, race T-shirts and merchandise will be made in the USA. Organizers are currently trying to work out a way for family members and friends who wish to see their loved ones cross the nish line by viewing monitors from a spectating area at Tropicana Field. Â“This event has been more than a year in the making and weÂ’re absolutely thrilled to be able to host the inaugural Skyway 10K,Â” said Thaddeus Foster, board member of AFFF. Â“We are extremely grateful as we would not be able to do this without the support of the city of St. Petersburg, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, Pinellas County, the Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Highway Patrol and all of the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and rst responders.Â” The entry fee for the race is $75. Currently, the race is being capped at 7,000 participants, though in following years that number is expected to increase. To register or for more information, visit skyway10k.com. Â“As the leader in sports and events programming in Pinellas County, we are excited to welcome the Skyway 10K to our growing number of participant-driven events in our community. The run over the iconic Skyway Bridge will be a unique experience for all participants, and a unique opportunity to showcase our destination,Â” said Tim Ramsberger, chief operating of cer of Visit St. Pete Clearwater. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge crosses three counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee. AFFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides 100 percent of the funds raised back to projects to help military families. To date, the Armed Forces Families Foundation has raised and given back more than $2 million to bene t military families. Recent projects include: Â $35,933.84 in funding for the creation of a new USO center and family care facility at Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown. Â $31,978 for the construction of an event pavilion at the Asheville, North Carolina, VA hospital. Â $14,994 to purchase 25 new HP ProBook computers and needed materials for Fort GordonÂ’s Freedom Park School in Georgia. Â $46,000 to install a new playground, accessible to over 300 families stationed on MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. To learn more about the Armed Forces Families Foundation, visit www.armedforcesfamilies.org.First-ever run across Skyway Bridge to bene t military familiesAustin S. KierSEMINOLE Â– U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Austin S. Kier graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Kier is the son of Dana and Theresa Kier of Seminole. He graduated in 2011 from Seminole High School, and earned a bachelorÂ’s degree in 2015 from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. The airman completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical tness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.Jamira L. PorterST. PETERSBURG Â– U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jamira L. Porter recently graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Porter is the daughter of James and Alita Porter of St. Petersburg. She is a 2017 graduate of Boca Ciega High School, Gulfport. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical tness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.Hunter D. GastPALM HARBOR Â– U.S. Air Force Airman Hunter D. Gast graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Gast is the son of Cody R. Gast, Scott Gast, and Andrea D. Gast, all of Palm Harbor. He is a 2017 graduate of Dunedin High School.Betherea A. Stokes Jr.ST. PETERSBURG Â– U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Betherea A. Stokes Jr. graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Stokes is the son of Tracie S. Stokes, grandson of Elverda Brooks, cousin of Tiffany McClendon, and husband of Dadrionna Waters, all of St. Petersburg. He is a 2017 graduate of Gibbs High School, St. Petersburg.Parker L. BowmanDUNEDIN Â– U.S. Air Force Airman Parker L. Bowman graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Bowman is the son of Gregg L. and Tabetha A. Bowman, and brother of Ashlee N. and Jordan S. Bowman of Dunedin. He is a 2016 graduate of a home school program in Dunedin. Betherea A. Stokes Jr. Rich Sells the Beaches, Seminole, Belleair & Clearwater $24 Million in Sales so far in 2017!Top 1% in Sales in Pinellas County!121417Call Rich Rippetoeat 727-902-1437To View Today!Experience Counts ... 28 Years In The Business! R i c h R i p p e t o e Rich Rippetoe Sun Vista Realty727-902-1437 RichRippetoe@gmail.comwww.BeachRealEstatePro.com PRESTIGIOUS ELDE ORO WEST IN CLEARWATER!A Place with Space! Super Spacious 3BR/3BA Pool Home with over 2,300 sq. ft.! Wide Open Split Plan with Large Living/ Dining Room Combo, Family Room with Fireplace & Inground Screened Pool! New at $359,900 Â“RichÂ’s Waterfront & Seminole Bargains!Â”TURNKEY FREESTANDING BUILDING IN BELLEAIR BLUFFSCity Smart & Dollar Wise Investment! Location A+! Mixed-use bldg with 8-10 parking spaces, 5 treatment rms, 2 baths, 1,600 sq. ft. and on max-exposure West Bay Blvd! Perfect dental, medical or attorney of ce. $319,900 ISLE OF PALMS WATERFRONT ESTATE!Spacious 3BR/2.5BA 2-Story on one of the best lots in Treasure Island! Wonderful wide canal w/deep sail boat water! Perfect waterfront lot for a new build! $599,900 Tile Roof Repair Specialists Â 727.577.2468 Roof Leaks? Call Handyman Roo ng OVER 69,000 CUSTOMERS CANÂ’T BE WRONG Call the people you can trust! 24 Hour Service www.HandymanRoo ng.comState Certi ed Roo ng Contractors #CC-C057454 Fully Insured and Compensation Senior Discount Financing Available with approved credit Celebrating 39 YearsServing Pinellas County Since 1978 Â Tile Â Shingles Â Asphalt Â Replace Rotted Wood Â Roof Vents Â Flat Â Gutters Â Built-up Â Fascia & Sof ts 110217 $100 OFFRoof RepairWith this ad.Minimum $500 repair work.$250 OFFFull New RoofWith this ad. Laura Trundle PA, GRI Realtor, Coldwell Bankercell 727-744-4075lauratrundle@aol.comyourparadiserealestate.com 1582 GULF BLVD, #1803, CLEARWATER BEACH, FL 33767 Live a luxurious lifestyle in this spacious BEACHFRONT 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom PENTHOUSE condo. Enjoy the salty breezes, full unobstructed panoramic VIEWS and gorgeous SUNSETS, all tickling your senses. Located on the BEACH, enjoy the large balcony for entertainment, the replace for romance, the Florida room to get away from it all. The views are endless from every window, including the master bedroom. Offered at $894,900. Largo, FLPACKAGE DEAL offered with this property. There are 2 single family HOMES and an ACTIVE REPUTABLE kennel BUSINESS sitting on 3/4 of an acre. There is an opportunity to purchase separately additional land adjacent to this 3/4 acre parcel tot aling 1.9 acres. Offered at $550,000. 19029 US HIGHWAY 19 N, #7-24, CLEARWATER, FL 33764Imperial Cove offering a resort lifestyle for 55+ residents. Water view included with this comfortable, turnkey 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,060 square foot, well maintained, top oor condo. Offered at $147,000. 5750 80TH ST N, #D307, ST PETERSBURG, FL 33709Overlooking a park-like setting is this top oor 1 bedroom, 1 bath, pet friendly, 55+ condo. This condo is meticulously maintained, NEWER IMPACT RESISTANT WINDOWS and a COVERED PARKING SPACE. Offered at $75,000. DiscoverYour DreamHome! 121417 UNDER CONTRACT

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10A Business Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017Greenberg named Outstanding CSR of the YearSEMINOLE Â– The National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research has announced that Rachael Greenberg is the 2017 Outstanding CSR of the Year recipient for the state of Florida. Greenberg began her insurance career as a receptionist for a local agency in 2011 and quickly progressed to a licensed agent. She has been associated with Scarr Insurance Group in Seminole since 2014 as a customer service representative and personal lines team lead. Greenberg recently completed the academic requirements of the Society of Certi ed Insurance Service Representatives. She is also a member of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents. To qualify for this top state honor, Greenberg submitted the winning essay. Additionally, Greenberg was selected for having demonstrated outstanding service and professionalism within the insurance community. Â“Rachael Greenberg was chosen as a state winner for exemplifying the characteristics and quali cations required to be eligible for the prestigious National Outstanding CSR of the Year Award,Â” said Dr. William T. Hold, president of The National Alliance. Â“She represents the backbone of the insurance community, those customer service representatives distinguished for providing exceptional service on a daily basis.Â”Freedom Boat Club Tampa Bay wins awardsGlenn Bergoffen, owner of the Freedom Boat Club franchise in Tampa, recently received three major national awards at the 2017 Freedom Boat Club National Franchise Conference in Fort Myers. BergoffenÂ’s franchise won the 2017 Franchise Marketer of the Year and the Territory Expansion Award, and was named for the third year to the companyÂ’s PacesetterÂ’s Club, the group of Top 10 best performing franchises in North America. Â“Tampa Bay continues to excel and expand within the Freedom Boat Club universe under the highly capable leadership of Glenn Bergoffen and his leadership team,Â” said John Giglio in a press release. Giglio is Freedom Boat Club president and CEO. He presented the awards at the companyÂ’s annual franchise gala. Â“Glenn and his organization have enjoyed continued growth and positive momentum again this year,Â” Giglio continued. Â“They are the ultimate professionals who clearly understand how to successfully operate a boat club while delivering exceptional customer service to their members.Â” Â“Getting involved with Freedom Boat Club was one of the best decisions I ever made,Â” said Bergoffen. Â“When we joined we had 86 members and eight boats. Today, we have over 2,000 members and 225 boats. What we like best about owning a Freedom franchise is the ability to have so much fun while weÂ’re out there getting our jobs done. We have a fantastic team ready to serve our members every day.Â” Freedom Boat Club is the nationÂ’s oldest and largest boat club, with more than 150 club locations operating in 29 states and Canada. For information, visit www. freedomboatclub.com/tampabay.Mi Carreta Super Market grand opening setPINELLAS PARK Â– A grand opening event will take place Friday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m., at Mi Carreta Super Market, 6273 U.S. 19 N., Pinellas Park. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Mi Carreta Super Market seeks to encompass all of the Latin American cultures under one roof. The owner plans to stock more than 2,000 different items, from produce and frozen items to freshly baked goods. There also will be a daily hot buffet. Parking is available in front of the building. For information, call Amanda Conte at 727-369-5619.Job seekers welcome at Tampa Bay Times Job FairST. PETERSBURG Â– The Tampa Bay Job and Career Fair will take place Tuesday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet with local companies with immediate employment needs from entry-level positions to skilled trade, health care and even top managerial positions. The event is designed to help put job seekers face to face with companies and several of the areaÂ’s top schools for continuing education, local universities and vocational/technical institutes. Attendees should bring their resum and dress to impress. For information, call Angie Schroeder at 727-8938134. My Mobile Market to visit Goodwill-SuncoastST. PETERSBURG Â– My Mobile Market, a pop-up mobile grocery store, will be available Tuesday, Dec. 19, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the parking lot at GoodwillSuncoast, 10596 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg. My Mobile Market provides both fresh and shelfstable foods to areas that are underserved and impacted by barriers such as food costs, mobility, transportation and language. Items are sold at a fraction of typical grocery store prices. The innovative Â“grocery store on wheelsÂ” is a collaboration between Feeding Tampa Bay and Goodwill-Suncoast that takes job training, food distribution and the creation of healthy communities to a new level. The market is staffed in part by participants in GoodwillÂ’s Life Skills Development program, who gain the skills and training needed to help them transition to community employment. My Mobile Market was made possible through a grant from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. For information, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org/mymobile-market.Allstate Foundation grant to aid Metropolitan MinistriesFifty-four Allstate agency owners and financial specialists from the Tampa area recently came together to secure a $54,000 Allstate Foundation Helping Hands grant to bene t Metropolitan Ministries. The grant will support the nonpro t organizationÂ’s mission to further its work providing food and services to homeless families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties. The agency owners and financial specialists each earned $1,000 for Metropolitan Ministries for coordinating a food drive during September and October at Allstate locations across the Tampa area. On Sept. 23, Allstate volunteers also provided handson support in the nonprofitÂ’s kitchen, cooking and serving food to community members. Metropolitan Ministries will use the $54,000 grant to further its work in the community. The participating Allstate volunteers are among thousands of agency owners and financial specialists around the country working to strengthen communities by volunteering their time to support the causes they care about most. Â“As small business owners and community leaders, Allstate agency owners and nancial specialists see firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing the communities they serve,Â” said Tampa Allstate agency owner Paul Phaneuf. Â“Giving back is core to who we are, which is why weÂ’re proud to volunteer and raise funds to improve the lives of people in the larger Tampa community, especially during times of need as we did after Hurricane Irma.Â” Metropolitan Ministries is one of thousands of organizations this year to receive Allstate Foundation Helping Hands grants secured by agency owners and nancial specialists on behalf of the nonpro ts where they volunteer. The grants support organizations addressing domestic violence, youth empowerment, disaster preparedness, hunger and other causes.Humana to sponsor Florida Senior Games through 2020CLEARWATER Â– As part of its commitment to seniors and healthy living, Humana Â– in partnership with the Florida Sports Foundation Â– will be the presenting sponsor of the Florida Senior Games through 2020. The Florida Senior Games is an annual, multisport event for adults age 50 and older. This yearÂ’s games concluded Dec. 10 in Clearwater with 2,000 athletes participating. With FloridaÂ’s senior population growing more rapidly than any other age demographic in the state, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 32.5 percent of FloridaÂ’s population will be 60 and older by the year 2030, an increase of 34 percent from 2012. Humana wants to ensure that all Florida seniors have opportunities to age healthfully through this partnership and the inspirational athletes who will compete in these games. Â“The Florida Senior Games is a great opportunity for aging adults to learn and compete in a variety of sports, form lifelong friendships and improve their health through physical and social activities,Â” said Deb Galloway, Central/North Florida regional Medicare president at Humana. Â“WeÂ’re proud to support the Florida Senior Games to ensure the bene ts of sports continue to reach more Florida seniors.Â” HumanaÂ’s commitment to the Florida Senior Games represents a natural progression as Humana has been the presenting sponsor of the National Senior Games since 2007 and partners with various state games nationwide. Â“With our stateÂ’s special year-round environment for sports, the Florida Sports Foundation, a division of Enterprise Florida Inc., is committed to promoting the choice of active living,Â” said Angela Suggs, president and CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation. Â“As a destination for top athletes throughout the United States and abroad, we are excited about this great partnership with Humana and look forward to supporting our athletes as they continue to break records and defy stereotypes.Â” Briefcase Beth-El Shalom Messianic Congregation17th St. & 29th Ave. N., St. Pete Â 345-7777 www.Jewishheritage.net Giant Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Come join us for the Lighting of the 10 foot Hanukkah Menorah. All ages will enjoy the activities planned for the night. Including Latkes & Dreidel Games. Bring your Menorah as well. Friday, December 15th ~ 7pm FREE Admission Â All Are Welcome On Friday December 22nd 7pm Rabbi will rip out Anti-Semitic portion of Christian Bible that has caused millions of deaths.120717 Christmas Services Church by the Sea 727-391-7706 137th Ave. Circle, Madeira Beach, FL 121417 Christmas Eve9:30AM Traditional Service 11:00AM Contemporary Service 11:00PM Candlelight Service R e a c h i n g O u r C i t y b y T o u c h i n g Y o u r W o r l d "Reaching Our City, by Touching Your World a n d T e a c h i n g G o d s W o r d and Teaching God's Word " I n v i t e s Y o u T o J o i n U s Invites You To Join Us C h r i s t m a s E v e a t 1 0 A M T o C e l e b r a t e Christmas Eve at 10AM To Celebrate H i s B i r t h I n O u r N e w L o c a t i o n . His Birth In Our New Location ... G a t e w a y Gateway C h r i s t i a n C e n t e r Christian Center 6 7 4 0 P a r k S t r e e t S P a s a d e n a F L 7 2 7 3 2 7 0 7 7 1 6740 Park Street S, Pasadena, FL 727-327-0771 ( F o r m e r l y T r a d e w i n d s C h u r c h ) (Formerly Tradewinds Church)121417 Christmas Eve ServicesSunday, December 24th at 9:15 & 10:45am Free Continental Breakfast provided for those who attend a service. (Children's programs birth 5th grade, both service times. Youth at 10:45am) 5001 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park, FL 33781 727-344-1063New Year's Communion Services Sunday, December 31st at 9:15 & 10:45am Free Continental Breakfast provided for those who attend a service. (Children's programs birth 5th grade. Youth at 10:45am)121417 1214 17 Come Join Us at 121417 Ulmerton Rd102nd Ave N Johnson BlvdPark BlvdSeminole Blvd 113th St N Seminole City Center Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 11045 Park Boulevard Seminole, Florida 33772 (727) 392-7729Seminole First Baptist Church Sunday, December 24 in the Worship Center5pm & 6:30pm Bay Pines Lutheran ChurchDec. 22 Â 11am ChildrenÂ’s Christmas Service Dec. 24 Â 7pm ChildrenÂ’s Christmas Service Dec. 25 Â 10am Christmas Festival Service 7589 113th Lane, Seminole Â 727-391-1810 121417 121417 C o m e W o r s h i p Come Worship W i t h U s With Us

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Viewpoints 11A Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017 LETTERS Traf c study needed for Madeira Beach projectsEditor:The lead article in the November 16, 2017, Beach Beacon, Â“Madeira Project Scaled DownÂ” by Wayne Ayers, is accurate concerning changes to the Madeira Beach Town Center Development. However, missing from the article is any discussion of the adverse traf c impact of the development. The developerÂ’s proposal fails to alert the city and its residents to the disastrous impact the MBTC project will have on traf c congestion not only in the cityÂ’s town center but also on access to the Tom Stuart Causeway Â– the cityÂ’s only road to the mainland. The developerÂ’s transportation consultant did not evaluate the projectÂ’s traf c impact on Madeira Way traf c a vital transportation link connecting north Madeira and Redington residents to the Tom Stuart Causeway. The development from the two hotels and 40,000 square feet of retail space will dump more than 4,000 vehicle trips onto Madeira Way daily. This will occur on a diminished roadway because the developer plans to convert Madeira Way from 4 lanes to 2 lanes. Yes, the developerÂ’s proposal increases traf c dramatically, while diminishing the roadÂ’s capacity by at least 50 percent. Further, the developer proposes to remove the traf c light at the intersection of 150th Avenue and Madeira Way and to eliminate a left turn from Madeira Way onto 150th Avenue. Consequently, anyone on Madeira Way trying to access the Tom Stuart Causeway would be forced to do so via Gulf Boulevard. These changes are not Â“improvementsÂ” as described by the developer in his proposal. These changes will result in a substantial service Â“degradation.Â” MBTC and the Holiday Isles Marina (HIM Â– 600 daily trips on Madeira Way) together will add nearly 4,600 new daily vehicle trips to Madeira Way. Daily traf c volume on Madeira Way will increase from slightly fewer than 10,000 daily trips to approximately 14,600 Â– an increase of 4 percent. Therefore, drivers will encounter 46 percent more traf c on a road with 50 percent less carrying capacity. During the peak evening traf c hour 20 cars a minute will be entering, exiting and transiting Madeira Way. Think Clearwater congestion and gridlock in the town center as tourists, many in rental vehicles and unfamiliar with local traf c patterns, ght to exit and enter the large opposing hotels on each side of Madeira Way. To avoid a traf c disaster and a Clearwater-type outcome, the city needs to commission a detailed traf c study in cooperation with FDOT in order to right-size the MBTC and HIM development projects to the constrained highway network .Bill Gay Madeira BeachDredging project offers many bene tsEditor: In response to the Dec. 6 letter Â“You pay,Â” I would like to point out that dredging the Anclote River, a project long overdue, bene ts more than local Tarpon Springs merchants. Recreational and commercial boaters, environmentalists, boat builders and restorers, shermen, wildlife conservationists all have a stake in reversing the repercussions of shoaling on the river which was exacerbated by Hurricane Irma. When the environmental education ship commissioned by USF was built by Duckworth, it could only be taken out of the river on a full moon high tide. The river itself courses through many jurisdictions Â– Tarpon Springs, Pinellas County, Pasco County, the state and federal agencies Â– and is patrolled by Florida Fish & Wildlife, the U.S. Coast Guard and Auxiliary, Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue and the SheriffÂ’s Of ce. Economic impact is also measured by many guidelines and cannot be counted simply as cash in the registers of local merchants. The economic impact study prepared at the behest of the Marine Commerce Commission details far-reaching bene ts that reach through the city, the county, the state and the nation. Suggesting that each local merchant pay for these bene ts out of their pockets is just simply not thought through. Joan Jennings Tarpon SpringsWhy was Pearl Harbor forgotten?Editor: As I turned to the editorial page of The Bee and it being December the seventh, I expected to see at least one piece on Pearl Harbor. Alas, that was not the case. Bob DriverÂ’s ramblings were something about Russia or Russian collusion or the Russian revolution, or Russia making Hillary lose, who knows. I scanned down the page to the next showpiece article by Joe Henderson. Â“OK, JoeÂ” I thought, lay on some remembrance of Pearl Harbor on Pearl Harbor Day. Another disappointment: Joe it seems has written a Trump hit piece disguised as a story about Matt Lauer. Well, Joe must be an OK guy from his bio. Fortyve years in newspapers including 42 years at the Tampa Tribune. What department was that Joe? The National Enquirer Division of the Tampa Tribune. Perhaps next year the editorial page will have at least one line of type that remembers Pearl Harbor. A day we should put our differences aside and give thanks to those who gave their all and a day when AmericanÂ’s came together as one to ght our enemies. Dec. 7, 1941. Carl Muller Indian Rocks BeachCollege has carried our brothersEditor: Provost Mark Strickland of St. Petersburg College Seminole Campus attends many of our city council meetings and hears my requests for the need of food at the Interfaith Food Pantry. So, last year he started a food drive, asking staff and students to contribute on their way to class. Last year the students and faculty brought in more than 1,000 items of pasta, ramen noodles, cold cereal, etc., which helped to keep the shelves stocked and all who were in need were not turned away. Mark Strickland has started that program again this year. The college year is only half over, and I have already collected over 1,000 items. A thank-you does not say enough to the students, the faculty and to Mark Strickland. What it should say to all of us, Â“One person alone cannot change an outcome, but as a group the college has carried our brothers. HeÂ’s not heavy, HeÂ’s my brother.Â” Jim Quinn SeminoleLies, tax bill imperil AmericaÂ’s futureEditor: Sadly, Dec. 1, 2017, for America will always be remembered as Â“GuiltyÂ” from Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI and the U.S. Senate Republicans for passing the largest tax cuts to the wealthy-corporations at the expense of families. What does that say for AmericaÂ’s future? Grim. Lying and collusion are the means to getting elected. Cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other social programs for the needy. Stagnated paychecks for the middle class. War with North Korea. How can you make a difference? Become an informed voter and participate in public life. Attend and voice your opinion at city commission meetings, lobby your federal and state legislatures and march on Jan. 21, 2018, to voice your opinion. The balance of our democracy is in your hands. Larri Gerson Dunedin The pre-Weinstein era lasted for years. During that time many women and quite a few men were subjected to Â“inappropiate behaviorÂ” of a sexual nature by their workplace superiors and/ or other persons with suf cient power to force their victims to keep quiet. In 2017 the lid came off. The can of worms was overturned. Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein was identi ed as the alleged perpetrator of nonconsensual sexual offensives committed over several decades. Within weeks dozens of women had gone on the record, pointing fingers at Weinstein and other men. Reputations have been ruined; careers are being destroyed. A huge ock of chickens has come home to roost. We are now in the post-Weinstein era. No one can be sure of what the coming years will bring to AmericaÂ’s sexual frontiers. But it doesnÂ’t take a prophet or a genius to think of what may follow in the post-Weinstein era. Possibilities that occur to me: 1. An expanded legal specialty devoted to sexual transgressions will become a much larger part of our justice system. Legal issues dealing with rape, incest, pedophilia and other sexual crimes have been around for years. IÂ’m not sure exactly what the new specialty might be called. But it will be well-staffed, and much needed. ThatÂ’s because of No. 2 possibility, below. 2. Groping, grabbing, propositioning, threats and other non-consensual sexual offenses will continue for many years to come, despite the wreckage that has been revealed in this year alone. The threat of prison, divorce and lost careers will never deter a certain percentage of men and women from wandering off the straight and narrow. Their derelictions will be aided by (A) the use of alcohol and other drugs, and (B) the fact that when sexual arousal takes over most of us have only enough blood to supply our brains and our sex organs, but not both at the same time. When one area is engaged, the second often shuts down. This might be called the Weinstein Principle. 3. In the workplace, the reported custom of the Rev. Billy Graham will become standard practice. Dr. Graham Â– probably as morally upright a man who ever walked Â– is said never to have interviewed a woman in his of ce without having his door open and his actions clearly visible to anyone who walked by. I foresee a similar scenario in days to come. A male executive and a female employee happen to walk toward an empty elevator. They can see that they will be the only two occupants after the elevator doors close. Although neither is inclined toward any form of misbehavior, they both suddenly remember the 2017 Weinstein explosion. One of them puts on the brakes, smiles, waves the other person in and says, Â“IÂ’ll catch the next elevator.Â” No offense taken. No lawsuits follow. Is this example too extreme to be likely? We shall see. 4. Intensive research will be launched into the sexual behavior of other nations and cultures, to see how they cope with sexual harassment, assault, misconduct and/or abuse. For ages the French have been rumored to have the strongest sex urges of any regional groupings, but is that really true? What about the Spanish? Not to mention the Italians. Does any centralized organization keep track of these things? Within a few years we may see international award shows to honor those countries or groups with the lowest rate of con rmed sexual offenses. Feel free to compile your own list of trends and events that may take place in the post-Weinstein era. Stand-up comedians will have a eld day inventing new jokes about illicit sexual behavior. But we wonÂ’t be hearing any laughter from victims of sexual abuse. A nal note: As I write this column, on Dec. 5, the nal destruction of the Republican Party may be occurring as its leaders on Capitol Hill and in the White House refuse to concede that senatorial candidate Roy Moore is a disgrace to the GOP and to thousands of decent, rightthinking citizens of Alabama. Perhaps one day Moore and Harvey Weinstein will hook up for a jolly evening of romantic reminiscences. ThereÂ’s surely a movie in there somewhere. Bob DriverÂ’s email address is tralee71@ comcast.net.Monuments and the Obama touchWASHINGTON Â– The New York TimesÂ’ graphic said it all. On one side, the map displayed the Â“original boundariesÂ” for Bears Ears National Monument with 1.35 million acres in green. On the other side was the drastically scaled-down monument with less green representing 201,876 acres, thanks to a recent proclamation by President Donald Trump reducing the national monument. The Times stipulated in smaller print that the Â“originalÂ” boundaries were set in December 2016 by President Barack Obama. The date actually was Dec. 28. That is, the Â“originalÂ” boundaries were less than a year old. Activists who supported the Obama proclamation also have referred to the Â“originalÂ” lines with little or no reference to the inception date. And while it is accurate to use the term because Obama did designate the Bears Ears National Monument boundaries, when the word Â“originalÂ” is attached to land, readers instinctively think of something as really old. Â“OriginalÂ” is not a term for something in its infancy. Has the news cycle sped up so totally that news organizations treat a rst-year project as an institution? In April, Trump directed Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke to review the designation of 22 land national monuments. This month Zinke recommended revising the boundaries of four monuments, including NevadaÂ’s Gold Butte National Monument, which also was created during ObamaÂ’s last month in of ce. The Zinke report did not specify how much land should be cut from Gold Butte, but its language on historic water rights suggests some 24 square miles would be cut from the roughly 460-square-mile monument. Those opposed to the Zinke review overall argued passionately that their beloved monuments deserved protection based on their value as historic landmarks or prehistoric structures or for their scientific interest. But also, underlying their arguments was the sentiment that once the government creates an entity, it has a right to exist in perpetuity. ThereÂ’s a legal argument to that effect. A letter signed by 121 law professors cites the 1938 opinion of Attorney General Homer Cummings that said the Antiquities Act of 1906 does not authorize presidents to abolish national monuments Â“after they have been established.Â” Â“The Act vests the President with the power to create national monuments but does not authorize subsequent modi cation,Â” the 121 law professors wrote. Todd Gaziano, executive director of the proproperty rights Paci c Legal Foundation, doesnÂ’t buy that argument. Â“Now theyÂ’re saying that the same presidential pen that created (monuments) canÂ’t be used in someone elseÂ’s hand,Â” he said. Be it noted, presidents have downsized national monuments before. President Dwight Eisenhower cut the Great Sand Dunes National Monument and President Harry Truman halved the Santa Rosa Island National Monument. Zinke presented his decisions as representative of voter opinion. Meetings held before Obama signed the monument proclamations, his final report noted, often were packed with Â“advocates organized by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to promote monument designations.Â” Ditto the public comment process. A Salt Lake Tribune poll did find that 51 percent of Utahans deemed Bears Ears to be too big. The same poll found that a majority of Utahans opposed breaking up Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument, which Zinke has proposed reducing by about 46 percent. All of UtahÂ’s elected of cials in Washington supported ZinkeÂ’s recommendations. In Nevada, Democrats generally opposed ZinkeÂ’s Gold Butte recommendation, while Republicans supported the move. In 1906, when President Theodore Roosevelt declared Devils Tower in Wyoming to be the rst national monument, he set aside 1,153 acres. During a recent conference call, Zinke urged reporters to read the Antiquities Act Â– and its mandate for monuments to be Â“confined to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management.Â” That original thinking is gone. Since 1996, presidents have created 26 national monuments over 100,000 acres. Zinke recommended that Trump work with Congress Â– a tack that would avoid having the courts decide if a presidentÂ’s Â“originalÂ” word on monuments is nal. Â“Constituencies emerge for every government program,Â” Gaziano observed, and they will ght change. ThereÂ’s another saying, popular in the Obama White House: Elections have consequences. Contact Debra J. Saunders at dsaunders@ reviewjournal.com or 202-662-7391. Follow @ DebraJSaunders on Twitter. We are proud to offer a forum to our readers. Please type letters to the editor (or print legibly) and include your name, town of residence, phone number and signature and mail to Tampa Bay Newspapers, 9911 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, FL 33772. Emails should include town of residence and telephone and be sent to tgermond@TBNweekly.com. We will not print the letter writerÂ’s phone number. Here are some more guidelines for letters: Â Letters are printed on a rst-come, rst-served basis. They may be edited to correct grammar, spelling and factual errors. They also may be edited for clarity. Â Please keep letters to editor to 700 words. Longer letters may be cut due to space limitations. Â Letters should address issues or current events. Please refrain from making unsubstantiated allegations. The newspaper will not print letters that contain slanderous or racial statements. What do you think? DriverÂ’s SeatBob Driver 9911 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, FL 33772 727-397-5563 Â Fax: 727-397-5900 Â www.TBNweekly.comPublisher/President: Dan Autrey dautrey@TBNweekly.com Accounting Manager: Andrea Marcarelli accounting@TBNweekly.com Advertising Director: Jay Rey jrey@TBNweekly.com Classi ed Advertising Manager: Wendy Edwards wedwards@TBNweekly.com Executive Editor: Tom Germond tgermond@TBNweekly.comProduction Manager: David Brown production@TBNweekly.com Online editor: Suzette Porter webmaster@TBNweekly.com Beach Beacon: Bob McClure bmcclure@TBNweekly.com Belleair/Beach Bee: Tom Germond tgermond@TBNweekly.com Clearwater Beacon: Logan Mosby lmosby@TBNweekly.com Dunedin Beacon: Tom Germond tgermond@TBNweekly.com Largo Leader: Chris George cgeorge@TBNweekly.com Palm Harbor Beacon: Kathryn Williams kwilliams@TBNweekly.com Seminole Beacon: Tiffany Razzano trazzano@TBNweekly.com Tarpon Springs Beacon: Kathryn Williams kwilliams@TBNweekly.com Entertainment Editor: Lee Zumpe lzumpe@TBNweekly.com General Editorial editorial@TBNweekly.comCirculation: L. Shi ett Phone: 727-397-5563 Debra Saunders Exploring post-Weinstein possibilitiesNo one can be sure of what the coming years will bring to America's sexual frontiers.

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12A Schools Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017Pinellas schools meet or exceed health and safety practices By SUZETTE PORTER Tampa Bay NewspapersLARGO Â– Pinellas County School District recently conducted a self-assessment of the school districtÂ’s current safety and security practices. The annual assessment provides comprehensive data about how well the district follows safe and healthy school guidelines, allowing for strategic planning and problem solving leading to improvements in the system. Clinton Herbic, associate superintendent of Operational Services, explained that state statutes require the district to use Florida Safe Schools Assessment Tool and report the results to the school board and the Commissioner of Education. Herbic reported results of the assessment to the school board Dec. 5. In an executive summary to the board, he wrote that the assessment found that Pinellas meets or exceeds the best practices thresholds in all seven categories. Â“The results of the assessment survey indicate that Pinellas has wellrounded and robust health and safety programs and procedures in place,Â” he wrote. He noted several items that had been strengthened over the past year, including: Â Establishing a secure digital site to submit and store the annual emergency plan for each school. Principals can review and edit their plans throughout the year online as necessary. District personnel also can assess the plans for review and access to those plans is available in case of an emergency. Â Design of front of ce security options that account for behavioral and physical safety features. Herbic said principals have a Â“menuÂ” to choose from to customize the security of their campus to meet their unique needs. Â Collaboration by school police with local law enforcement agencies and school administrators on training. Herbic reported that a collaborative agreement between school police and outside law enforcement had reduced arrests by 32 percent since its inception in 2012.Transportation reportHerbic also reported on ongoing work to solve a problem with bus run times and a driver shortage in hopes of someday being able to move high school start times later. The main goal continues to get students to class on time. However, it is challenging to provide service for students participating in Choice that may attend schools with long bus times to reach their destination. The good news is that progress is being made with the shortage of school bus drivers thanks to the recruitment, training and retention team. School Superintendent Michael Grego said safety remained a priority with setting bus schedules. He also said it was important to get students to school in the morning in time to have breakfast. Although the district would like to move high school start times later, other problems need to be solved rst. Â“ItÂ’s not a simple solution,Â” he said. He said parents of elementary school students donÂ’t want their children at school bus stops too early and parents of middle school students donÂ’t want their children getting home later in the day.Awards and recognitionChairperson Rene Flowers recognized Grego, who was recently honored as School Superintendent of the Year for 2018 by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents. Grego, who had been an educator for 35 years, became Pinellas CountyÂ’s superintendent in 2012. Before that he spent 28 years as a teacher in Hillsborough County and then served as superintendent for the Osceola School District. Since Grego came to Pinellas, the graduation rate climbed to 80.1 percent, an 8.2 percent increase since 2012-2013, and the highest in district history. The graduation rate for black students increased 9.1 percent and the graduation rate for Hispanic students increased 12.7 percent. In 2017, the number of A and B schools in the district increased from 43 to 51 and the number of D and F schools decreased. Grego thanked all the people who has helped him along the way and shared his award with teachers and staff, as well as school board members. Lori Matway, associate superintendent for Student and Community Services, recognized Highpoint Elementary Principal Michael Feeney for being one of three state nalists for the Leonard Miller Principal Leadership Award. Feeney has participated in the Executive PASS Program with business partner Tech Data for the past year. Matway said Feeney had developed a culture of excellence by fostering relationships with parents and community partners. Denise Cochran from Tech Data and Feeney spoke to the school board with Feeney expressing his gratitude for what Tech Data had done for the school, including making sure every student has supplies and the many hours employees spend at mentor. Matway pointed out that under FeenyÂ’s leadership, High Point Elementary was one of four schools in the county to jump two letter grades this year and said the schools partnership with Tech Data was a huge contributing factor to their success. Suzette Porter is TBNÂ’s Pinellas County editor. She can be reached at webmaster@tbnweekly.com. NotebookSt. Petersburg College marks 135th commencementSt. Petersburg College held its 135th commencement ceremonies Dec. 9 at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo. The youngest graduate was 17 years old, the oldest 72 years old, and 13 graduates were over the age of 60. Fifty-six percent of the graduates were female. With this graduating class, St. Petersburg College will have awarded 166,174 degrees since the college Â– FloridaÂ’s rst community college Â– was founded in 1927. SPC awarded: Â 622 Associate in Arts degrees Â 300 Associate in Science degrees Â 283 Bachelor of Applied Science degrees Â 262 Bachelor of Science degrees Â 68 certi cations Rekeytah Hassan and Jay Patrick addressed fellow graduates and guests during the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Hassan earned a bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management in Organizational Leadership with a certi cate in Project Management. Patrick earned an Associate in Arts degree. Michele Marks and Antione Sullivan addressed fellow graduates and guests during the 1 p.m. ceremony. Marks earned a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology Practice Management and Sullivan earned an Associate in Arts in Education degree.USF System awards nearly 5,000 degreesTAMPA Â– Nearly 5,000 University of South Florida System students were awarded degrees during fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 8-11. USF System President Judy Genshaft presided over seven ceremonies, marking the universityÂ’s 113th commencement convocation. The USF Alumni AssociationÂ’s Outstanding Graduate Award was presented to a student at each USF System institution. The USF Tampa recipient was Alexis Drees, who earned a bachelorÂ’s degree in international business, with a concentration in finance and a minor in Chinese. The USF St. Petersburg award winner was Jared Bolton, who earned a bachelorÂ’s degree in psychology, with minors in business and entrepreneurship. USF Sarasota-ManateeÂ’s recipient was Jaime Hernandez Carranza, who graduated with a bachelorÂ’s in biology.Andrew Hamilton, president of New York University, received an honorary doctorate of science during the 9 a.m. ceremony on Dec. 9. Patricia Flatley-Brennan, director of the National Library of Medicine, received an honorary doctorate of engineering and nursing during the 6 p.m. ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 9. Facts about the Fall 2017 graduating class: Â Total USF System degrees: 4,715 Â USF Tampa degrees: 4,028 (2,727 bachelorÂ’s, 1,089 masterÂ’s, 199 doctoral, 13 specialist) Â USF St. Petersburg degrees: 495 Â USF Sarasota-Manatee degrees: 192 Â Students graduating with a 4.0 GPA: 21 Â Youngest graduate: Age 19 Â Oldest graduate: Age 71 Â Student veterans: 211 Â U.S. states represented: 47 Â Nations represented: 89Pinellas County Schools updating process for Pre-K and VPK programsPinellas County Schools is updating its online application process for pre-kindergarten for 3-year-olds and Voluntary Prekindergarten. From Jan. 22 to Feb. 2, parents will be able to apply online for Pre-K 3 and VPK for the 2018-19 school year. Parents will also need to log back into the districtÂ’s Student Reservation system Feb. 19-28 to accept an invitation for Pre-K 3 or VPK programs. Pre-K 3 is for children who will be 3 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2018. For information about Pre-K 3, visit www.pcsb.org/prek3 or call 727-588-6000 ext. 2184. VPK is for children who will be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2018. For information about VPK, visit www.pcsb.org/vpk or call 727-5886513. Families interested in VPK will need to apply for a Certi cate of Eligibility (voucher) from the Early Learning Coalition at www. vpkpinellas.net. For questions, call 727-400-4411. You will not need a voucher for Pre-K 3. Get a PCS User ID and Password. Go to any district school with a government-issued ID to obtain a user ID and password (if you donÂ’t have one for another child). Apply for up to three sites at reservation.pcsb. org Jan. 22 to Feb. 2. Log onto reservation.pcsb.org Feb. 19-28 to nd out if your application was selected. Accept an invitation, or decline and remain on wait lists for other sites. If you fail to accept an invitation during this period, the invitation will be void. Enroll at your assigned school March-1-16. Bring your registration fee, Early Learning Coalition voucher (for VPK), and the required documents listed on the district website. Please note: Families enrolling for VPK must present the Certificate of Eligibility (voucher). Confirmation numbers will not be accepted. Parents not completing the enrollment process will lose their seat. The early years are a signi cant time for learning and development. Pre-kindergarten programs help provide the foundation for healthy development and more advanced learning. In Pinellas County Schools highquality pre-kindergarten programs children: Â Develop social and emotional skills Â Build language, literacy and communication skills Â Explore math and science Â Discover the joy of learning Research shows that early education leads to better outcomes in school and in life. Children who attend high quality pre-kindergarten programs are less likely to use special education services or be held back in school. TheyÂ’re also more likely to graduate, attend college and be successful in their careers. Pinellas County Schools Pre-K and VPK programs are guided by the Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards. They provide a full day of activities in a safe and nurturing environment. Most classes are staffed with a certi ed teacher. Onsite beforeand after-care is available. Pinellas County Schools programs provide a smooth transition to kindergarten, developing familiarity with the campus and school resources. The cost is $75 per week with a non-refundable registration fee that is applied to tuition. At select locations, the Pre-K 3 program is supported with Title I funding. Qualifying families at these Title I schools do not pay tuition. Pinellas County Schools VPK program is free for the first three hours of the day. The program can be extended for an additional three hours through a tuition fee of $65 a week and a non-refundable registration fee, which will be applied to the last two weeksÂ’ tuition. The district calls this VPK+3. At select locations, the VPK+3 program is supported with Title I funding. Qualifying families at these schools do not pay tuition. Visit www.pcsb.org/prek3 or www.pcsb.org/vpk for child development tips. 113017 and Skin Cancer Center, P.A.A division of Florida Dermatology & Skin Cancer SpecialistsIs Proud to Welcome Dr. Summer Moon Call to Set Your Appointment Today!5200 Seminole Blvd., Seminole Â 727.392.3376 9170 Oakhurst Road, Suite 1 Â Seminole Â 727.517.3376 2329 Sunset Pt. Road, Suite 201 Â Clearwater Â 727.441.3376Accepting most insurance plans www.west oridaderm.com Specializing in Medical, Surgical and Cosmetic Dermatology 113017 5 9170 2329 S u S p Luis Ortega our denture specialist, has over 45 years of experience creating beautiful natural smiles. Se habla espaolÂ Custom Dentures Â Same Day Relines Â Same Day RepairsIn House Denture Lab10%OFFAny DentureADA D 5110, 5120, 5213, 5214FREEConsultationDentures and Partials 11240 Park Blvd. Â The Park Collectionnext to Einstein Bros. Bagels727-398-0085 011917 You Too Can Have A Beautiful Smile! Monica Doyle D.M.D., P.A. IN HOUSEDENTURE LAB www.CanCareClinic.com www.BayAreaMed.com www.CanCareClinic.com www.BayAreaMed.comWe Accept Medicare Americans & Canadians Cardiology / Internal Medicine / Family Practice Nous palons Francais!120717 010517 4-D Ultrasound Special $75

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Community 13A Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017CMA presents WinterÂ’s WonderlandCLEARWATER Â– This Christmas season, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is hosting WinterÂ’s Wonderland running through Saturday, Dec. 23, at 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater. The aquarium will transform into a Winter Wonderland, featuring photo opportunities with Â“Winter Claus,Â” special Santa dive presentations, and lights and decorations galore. On four exclusive nights Â– Dec. 15-16 and Dec. 22-23 Â– CMA will be open until 9 p.m. for a special Sea of Lights experience. After 4 p.m., admission will be only $9.99 on these select nights. For an additional $9.99, guests can board the Sea of Lights Boat Cruise to view the holiday lights around Clearwater Bay. Complimentary holiday cookies and a holiday gift for children age 10 and younger will be available while supplies last. For information, visit www.seewinter.com/winterswonderland.NatureÂ’s Food Patch to host holiday eventsCLEARWATER Â– Santa Claus and his elves are returning to NatureÂ’s Food Patch, a local family-owned grocery store, on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families are invited any time between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to meet Santa and pose for pictures with him in front of the store. Mr. Brad of Mr. BradÂ’s Music will play acoustic holiday tunes for a memorable holiday experience. Good boys and girls will receive a goodie bag lled with healthy treats while supplies last. Guests are asked to bring their own camera as a photographer will not be provided. Patch cooking class chef Debby DeGraaff will teach a free baking class: Holiday Cookies at 11 a.m.in the NFP PaTcHwOrKs Community Room. Visitors to the store can also enjoy the seasonal sounds of holiday music performed by local Dunedin band Row Jomah on Saturday, Dec. 23, noon to 3 p.m.; and on Sunday, Dec. 24, noon to 3 p.m. These holiday events are free for all to attend. NatureÂ’s Food Patch is at 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater Visit www. naturesfoodpatch.com.Students to perform Holiday Cabaret 2017CLEARWATER Â– The Murray Theatre at Ruth Eckerd Hall will present Holiday Cabaret 2017, the end of semester shows for Marcia P. Hoffman School of the ArtsÂ’ musical theater students, on Thursday, Dec. 14, 6:30 and 8 p.m., at 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets are $5 a person. Call 727-791-7400 or visit www.rutheckerdhall. com. Over a 12-week span, musical theater students of varying age levels worked with the schoolÂ’s master instructors in dance, music and theater to develop a variety of skills they will showcase during their end of session performance. The Holiday Cabaret 2017 performance will be a collaboration between Musical Theater 1 students (ages 8-10), Musical Theater 2 students (ages 11-13) and Musical Theater 3 students (ages 1418).CCV host 25th Winter WonderlandCLEARWATER Â– Hundreds celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Downtown ClearwaterÂ’s Winter Wonderland when it opened Dec. 2. The Clearwater Community Volunteers and the Church of Scientology lit up Osceola Park on the corner of Drew Street and North Fort Harrison Avenue, the site of Winter Wonderland. The festival will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 6 to 9 p.m., until Dec. 22. For more information, visit ccv .org. Entrance to Winter Wonderland is free; however, there is a small charge for some activities and the food items in the Hot Chocolate Shop (cash-only transactions). Â“For the past 25 years, our Winter Wonderland has had an unbroken record as a safe, family holiday festival,Â” said Pam Ryan Anderson, chairman of CCV. Â“This holiday Â‘villageÂ’ is every childÂ’s magical playground where they can decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus; visit with Santa and his elves; pet baby animals; ride ponies and the Winter Wonderland train; slide down the 20-foot slide; jump enthusiastically in Winter WonderlandÂ’s bouncy house; and take a spin on the human gyroscope. This year there will be snow, nightly entertainment on the stage and there may even be surprise visits from the Grinch.Â” ClearwaterÂ’s Winter Wonderland is also a food and toy drive for needy children and families. Visitors are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food for SantaÂ’s sleigh to be donated to the charities Nourish to Flourish and the Pinellas Police Athletic League.Holiday themed fun run setLARGO Â– As part of the Family Fun Run Series, SantaÂ’s Milk and Cookie Fun Run will take place Saturday, Dec. 16, 8 a.m., at Highland Recreation Complex, 400 Highland NE Ave., Largo. Cost is $20 per family or $10 per person for each fun run. This will be a holiday themed 5K run/walk. Those who complete the course will receive some of SantaÂ’s special cookies for a holiday treat. For more information, call 727-518-3016.Southwest Recreation to host Breakfast with SantaLARGO Â– Breakfast with Santa will take place Saturday, Dec. 16, 9:30 a.m., at Southwest Recreation Complex, 13120 Vonn Road, Largo. Cost is $6 per child and $2 per adult. Santa is making his list and checking it twice to see if you will join him for breakfast. SantaÂ’s helpers will be serving breakfast, helping with crafts and taking pictures. Santa will be there to talk to the children and for photos. Preregistration is required and space is limited. For more information, call 727-518-3125.Largo Central Park to host Holiday Stroll 2017 LARGO Â– Holiday Stroll 2017: Let it Snow will be presented Saturday, Dec. 16, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo. Attendees will gather at Largo Central Park for a stroll through the beautiful lights and entertainment. There will be a variety of crafts and activities for all ages. Concessions will be available. Dogs are not permitted in the park during large events. The event is free and open to the public. Limited on-site parking will be available for $10. Free park and walk from Everest University and Largo Middle School will be available. For more information, visit LargoEvents.com or call 727-587-6740, ext. 5014.CPPAC to present Tomseen FoleyÂ’s A Celtic ChristmasLARGO Â– Tomseen FoleyÂ’s A Celtic Christmas will be presented Tuesday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m., at Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. Tickets start at $19.50. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit LargoArts.com or call 727-587-6793. For the past 19 years, this world-class ensemble of musicians, dancers and singers have assembled from both sides of the Atlantic to bring one of the most authentic Irish shows you will ever see. Oakdale Christmas Light Display ST. PETERSBURG Â– The Oakdale Christmas Light Display will be presented nightly, 6 to 10 p.m., through Wednesday, Jan. 3, at the Oakdale Christmas house, 2719 Oakdale St. S., St. Petersburg. There is a walking yard tour featuring a small pond, several waterfalls and fountains and an 18-train HO scale railroad. The display includes animated and lit-up gures and in atables. The house is covered with lights and window cabinet displays. Admission is free and the public is welcome. For information, visit ChristmasDisplay.org.TI boat parade setTREASURE ISLAND Â– The 32nd annual Treasure Island Holiday Lighted Boat Parade and Celebration will be presented Friday, Dec. 15, at The Club at Treasure Island, 400 Treasure Island Causeway, Treasure Island. The celebration will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the boat parade leaving the club at 6:20 p.m. Bring one unwrapped new toy or provide a cash donation to the Christmas Toy Shop of Pinellas or The Edwards Family Foundation to the Recreation Department at City Hall or Treasure Bay on Paradise Boulevard by Thursday, Dec. 14, to receive a family pass to watch the parade from a spectacular vantage point, and participate in the events at the club. The celebration will feature live entertainment, a visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, cash bar and food will be served poolside. For additional information, call 727-367-4511, ext. 236. Â– Compiled by LEE CLARK ZUMPE Holiday happenings Tell the Public About Your Services Call 397-5563 CHURCHANDTEMPLEDIRECTORY Tell the Pu b lic ab out Your S ervice s Âc a ll 7273 97-556 3 SB Friday ni g ht S abbath services 7pm17th S t. & 29th Ave., S t. Pete. 345-7777 www.jewishherita g e.net/Email: rabbi@jewishherita g e.net Beth-El ShalomMessianic Congregation 072816 033017FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST6245 Seminole Blvd., (Alt. 19), SeminoleSunday ServiceÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â….10:30AM Sunday SchoolÂ…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…Â…..10:30AM Wednesday Testimony MeetingÂ…Â…Â…...............6:30PMReading Room Â– Before or After Any Service Getting Married? Already Hitched? Submit Your 2016 and 2017 Wedding Photos to be Published Free in TBNÂ’s monthly Bridal Guide. For information, email lmosby@tbnweekly.com. CHAPEL ON THE HILL CHAPEL ON THE HILL United Church of Christ 12601 Park Blvd., Seminole Â 727-391-2919 Â“No matter who you are or where you are on lifeÂ’s journey you are welcome hereÂ” Worship: Sunday 10am Thrift Store: Friday & Saturday 8-Noon Bingo Every Wednesday Doors Open 11am 083117 The Church by the Sea 137th Avenue at Gulf Boulevard Madeira Beach Call: 727-391-7706Dr. Jeff Iskr a Senior P a stor Traditional Worship 9:30amNursery Provided Sunday School For Kids 9:30am & 11:00am Adult Small Group Study 10:45am Contemporary Worship 11:00amNursery Provided Bible Study Friday 9:30pm Come and worship. Go and serve. www.ChurchByTheSea.com 100517Thrift Shop Open Tues. and Thur. 10am-2pm Need Hope ??You Are Invited!Sundays at 10:30am Noon WeÂ’ve moved! Please come meet with us atHoliday Inn Express & Suites 4816 100th Way N St. Petersburg, FL 33708 727-458-9963 120717 Helen Gloria Â“AlonzoÂ” Dunbar Died November 19, 2017I was born in Tampa on January 7, 1924 to Rose Shipman Alonzo and Leslie Raymond Alonzo. I was the sixth daughter out of seven with one younger brother. Every Sunday we attended Sunday School at the House of Prayer Episcopal Church. This is also where we were christened and baptized. Indian Rocks Beach has been a part of my life since early childhood. No matter how far away we lived each summer we would return to IRB to meet with family and friends. I graduated from Hillsborough High School but when WWII interrupted my classes at the University of Tampa, I went to work at Tampa Shipbuilding Company. I married Bob Connor when he returned from Midway in the Paci c Theater of the War. Later I worked in the Tax CollectorÂ’s of ce in the lovely Old Courthouse in downtown Tampa. Eventually we moved to South Miami where I served as President of the Miami Chapter Railway Business Women while working for the Seaboard Coastline Railroad. Bob and I have one son, Wayne, who is a retired forester from Northern California now living in Venice, Florida with his wife, Joann. Later, I married Col. John C. Dunbar. Jack and I traveled extensively visiting every state capitol. We enjoyed three Around-The-World cruises aboard the S/S Rotterdam, visited Eastern Europe, Egypt, the Holy Land, Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, Fiji, Tahiti and Bora-Bora. In 1989 after Jack passed away, I moved back to Tampa. After returning to Tampa I enjoyed membership in Â“The Tampa WomanÂ’s ClubÂ”, Â“United Daughters of the Confederacy Tampa Chapter 113Â”, Daughters of the American Revolution DeSoto ChapterÂ”, Â“Military Of cers Wives ClubÂ” at MacDill AFB, Â“Lebanon Shrine #6 Order of the White Shrine of JerusalemÂ” and Â“St. Andrews Scottish Society.Â” I had often thought Indian Rocks Beach would be a wonderful place to retire. I purchased a condo at Dolphin Reef across the street from where our family cottage used to be. Eventually my sister, Dorothy Cox, joined me at the condo where we lived for 18 years. We made wonderful friends of many of our neighbors there. Our Christian faith was always very important to us. Together we attended Calvary Episcopal Church at Indian Rocks Beach where we also had many caring and loving friends. Predeceased family members are HelenÂ’s sisters, Lucille Brown, Louise Chancey, Rosemary Brabham, Ernestine Higgins, Catherine Carbaugh, Dorothy Cox and her husband, Col. John C. Dunbar. Survivors include her brother, Leslie Alonzo; her son, Leslie Wayne Connor and his wife, Joann and many beloved nieces, nephew and their families. A combined service will honor the lives of sisters, Helen Dunbar and Dorothy Cox. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at Calvary Episcopal Church located at 1615 1st Street, Indian Rocks Beach, Florida. All relatives and friends are welcome at the service and the reception at the church immediately following. Burial will be held in private. Obituaries 6572 Seminole Blvd. # 3&4, Seminole, FL 33772113017 $5.00 OFFAny ServicesSalon Mark Hall, Nail & Spa$25 Value or MoreNewest and Cleanest Salon in Seminole Full Service Salon Pedicure Manicure The Ultimate Spa Experience For Ladies and GentlemenGift Certificates Available Booth Rentals AvailableNew Nail Techs Color, Cut &StyleCut & Style$10 OFFColor, Cut &Style$20 OFF 727-399-1260 New Clients Only Maurer Â– HaydukeAlyssa Hayduke and Andrew Maurer were united in marriage on Oct. 7, 2017, at Willowbrook Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. Pastor Jason Underwood of ciated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of James and Tracey Hayduke of Seminole. She graduated from Seminole High School in 2012 and the University of Central Florida in 2016. She is employed at Landmark Properties in Starkville, Mississippi. The groom is the son of Thomas and Paula Maurer of Ruckersville, Virgina. He graduated from Seminole High School in 2012 and the University of Central Florida in 2016. He is employed with the United States Air Force. Ferraro Â– WhiteJohn Ferraro and Nancy Adani of Holliday announce the engagement of their daughter, Giannina Ferraro, to Corey White, son of Ann and Don White of Belleair. The bride-elect is a resident of Belleair. She is a graduate of Largo High School and Florida State University. She is employed as an English teacher at Tampa Bay Technical High School. The groom-elect is a resident of Belleair. He is a graduate of Largo High School and University of Central Florida. He is employed at All Risks, Ltd. The couple will wed on Jan. 27 at the St. Petersburg Shuf eboard Club.

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14A Outdoors Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017 Garden sproutsFlorida Native Plant Society to meetLARGO Â– The Florida Native Plant Society will meet Wednesday, Jan. 3, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Pinellas County Natural Resources Agent Lara Milligan will present a program about the countyÂ’s urban forest. The meeting also will feature free refreshments and a silent plant auction. The Florida Native Plant Society promotes the preservation, conservation, and restoration of the native plants and native plant communities of Florida. The public is invited to attend. For information, visit pinellas.fnpschapters.org.Library to host vegetable gardening programPALM HARBOR Â– A gardening program will be presented Thursday, Jan. 11, 3 and 6:15 p.m., at Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. Theresa Bradurek, a UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension agent, will talk about how to establish a home vegetable garden. Included in the talk will be how to start vegetable plants from seed. Attendees also will be able to view the seed library. Admission is free, but space is limited. Registration for Vegetable Gardening in Containers is required by Wednesday, Jan. 8. To register, visit growpinellas.eventbrite.com or call 727-582-2603.Dunedin Garden Club to meetDUNEDIN Â– The Dunedin Garden Club will meet Saturday, Jan. 6, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Dunedin Public Library, 223 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. The guest speaker will be Dr. Craig Huegel. Huegel is an environmental consultant and educator who loves plants. Though formally educated as a wildlife biologist, he is an enthusiastic gardener and has studied and worked with plants his entire life. He currently teaches in the Baccalaureate Biology Program at St. Petersburg College. He has written five books on Florida native plants and lectures throughout the state on a variety of topics related to plants and wildlife. Guests are invited to attend monthly meetings. The club is welcoming new members. For information, call 727-734-7576 or email dunedingardenclub@yahoo.com. 10425 Park Blvd., Seminole on Lake Seminole across from Home DepotSunday-Thursday 10:30am-10:00pm Â Friday & Saturday 10:30am-11:00pm $1 OFF regular menu price. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one coupon per transaction. Valid only at this location. Exp. 12/24/17 $1 OFF any Value Basket121417 of Seminole BOGO at regular menu price. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one coupon per transaction. Valid only at this location. Exp. 12/24/17 Buy One Get One Double Cheese Burger with the works (ketchup, mustard, pickles & onions) Capo De Monte Italian MarketVisit us for all your Italian Grocery Deli needs8400 Seminole Boulevard Seminole Â 394-7800113017Â Delicious Subs & Paninis Â Gourmet & Italian Foods Â Prepared Meals-To-Go Â Beer and Wine Â Homemade Soups Â Pasta Sauce Â Crostini made fresh daily Â Specialty Meats & Cheeses Â Homemade Sausage Â Fresh Italian Bread Â Homemade Dips, Spreads Â Mozzarella Cheese & Much More! Â Gift Baskets For All Occasions BOOK NOW FOR HOLIDAY CATERING $5 OFF Any purchase of $30 or moreMust present coupon. Dine in or Take out. Not valid with other offers. Exp. 12-30-17 Thank you for voting us #1! 1st Place Winner by HerbsByMerlin.com by H Tea Leaf & Tarot Card Reading Â Call for Appointment 18117 Gulf Blvd. Redington ShoresNext to Beach Pizza727-575-9952Tue-Sat 11am-9pm Sun 1-7pm, Mon 11am-7pmHerbsByMerlin.comHerbs by Merlin Enterprises LLC.Herbal Gift ShopFree Gift WrappingHerbal Teas & Tinctures Herbs Â Spices Â Gift Items Tea Pots & Local Honey120717 121417 Happy Holidays 121417

Events Â Movies Â Classi eds Diversions Seminole Beacon, Section B, December 14, 2017 Â Visit www.TBNweekly.comÂ A Night Before Christmas Concert with Maria Zouves, Friday, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., at Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for Tarpon Arts members. Call 727-937-0686 or visit tarponarts.org. Opera luminaries Maria Zouves and Sherrill Milnes, accompanied by Constantine Grame, will present this special celebration with classic holiday stories and seasonal music favorites. The Palm Harbor University Mens Chorus will be making a very special guest appearance. Â Â“A Charlie Brown Christmas Live,Â” Saturday, Dec. 16, 2 and 7:30 p.m., at Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Tickets start at $35. Call 727-791-7400 or visit www.atthecap.com. The Emmy and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schulz has been a longstanding tradition, warming the hearts of millions of fans since it rst aired on television over 50 years ago. Now, the live on stage adaptation of the classic animated television special brings all your favorite characters to life Â– all set to the unforgettable sounds of the Vince Guaraldi musical score. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts gang in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Â An Elvis Christmas Special starring Dwight Icenhower, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2 and 7:30 p.m., at Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. Call 727-587-6793 or visit largoarts. com. Icenhower was named King of the World Grand Champion in 2011, 2012 and 2013, as well as Images of the King Grand Champion 2013 and 2014. He is also the winner of 2010 Las Vegas HiltonÂ’s Grand Championship and 64 rst place awards. Icenhower is back by popular demand for the fourth year in a row accompanied by his renowned band The Blue Suede Review. Â Michael Carbonaro, Sunday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m., at The Mahaffey, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $29. Call 727-8937832 or visit themahaffey.com. Carbonaro has performed over 500 comically perplexing and improbable feats of magic on his hit truTV series Â“The Carbonaro Effect,Â” now in its second season. The St. Pete show will be jam-packed with audience interaction, hilarious video clips, and a whirlwind of mind-blowing magic performed live on stage. As an actor, Carbonaro has appeared in recurring roles on TV including Â“Happily Divorced,Â” Â“The Newsroom,Â” Â“30 Rock,Â” Â“How to Make it in America,Â” Â“The Wizards of Waverly PlaceÂ” and Â“CSI Miami.Â” Â Steve Earle & The Dukes, Sunday, Dec. 17, 8 p.m., at Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Tickets start at $39.50. Call 727-791-7400 or visit www.atthecap.com. On tour in support of his new album Â“So You Wannabe An Outlaw,Â” Grammy Award-winner Steve Earle and The Dukes make a stop at the Capitol Theatre. Â“So You Wannabe an OutlawÂ” is an homage to outlaw music and dedicated to Waylon Jennings, who died in 2002. Earle is a country rebel with a rock and roll attitude. His unwillingness to conform to the rules of Nashville or rock & roll meant that he never broke through into either genreÂ’s mainstream. Instead, he cultivated a dedicated cult following and racked up critical acclaim for songs such as Â“Copperhead RoadÂ” and Â“Fearless Heart.Â” Special guest The Mastersons will open the show. Top ve diversions Photo courtesy of LUCASFILM/WALT DISNEY STUDIOSDaisy Ridley stars as Rey in Â“Star Wars: The Last Jedi.Â” Opening this weekend Â‘Star Wars: The Last JediÂ’ continues Skywalker saga; Â‘FerdinandÂ’ opens in theaters Compiled by LEE CLARK ZUMPE Tampa Bay NewspapersA number of new movies will hit theaters this week, including the following lms opening in wide release:Â‘Star Wars: The Last JediÂ’Genre: Action, science ction and adventure Cast: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita NyongÂ’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern and Kelly Marie Tran Director: Rian Johnson Rated: PG-13 In Lucas lmÂ’s Â“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,Â” the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of Â“The Force AwakensÂ” join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past. Â‘FerdinandÂ’Genre: Comedy, animation and family Cast: John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Gina Rodriguez, Daveed Diggs, Gabriel Iglesias, Bobby Cannavale, David Tennant, Anthony Anderson, Flula Borg, Sally Phillips, Boris Kodjoe, Jerrod Carmichael, Raul Esparza, Karla Martnez, Miguel ngel Silvestre, Peyton Manning and Nick Jonas Director: Carlos Saldanha Rated: PG Â“FerdinandÂ” tells the story of a giant bull with a big heart. After being mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a mis t team on the ultimate adventure. Set in Spain, Â“FerdinandÂ” proves you canÂ’t judge a bull by its cover. The following will open in limited release. It may be several weeks before these lms appear in local movie theaters.Â‘PermanentÂ’Genre: Comedy Cast: Patricia Arquette, Rainn Wilson, Kira McLean and Nena Daniels Director: Colette Burson Rated: PG-13 Set in 1982 in small town Virginia, Â“PermanentÂ” centers around 13-year-old Aurelie Dickson (Kira McLean) and her parents, Jeanne and Jim (Patricia Arquette and Rainn Wilson). In this hilariously awkward and unique telling full of wit and wisdom of a hairstyle gone wrong, the Dicksons are struggling through major life changes together all the while trying desperately to emerge intact on the Photo courtesy of TWENTIETH CENTURY FOXJohn Cena provides the voice of Ferdinand in Â“Ferdinand.Â” See OPENING, page 9B Photo by CHAD BATKASteve Earle performs Dec. 17 at Capitol Theatre. Thomething Mithing?813-DENTISThappydentistry.com 8381 Seminole Blvd., Seminole Â 727-397-8800 4850 1st. Ave. N., St. Petersburg Â 727-321-4850 041317 5666 Seminole Blvd., Seminole, FL 33772727-398-2310Properties@SandysOf ce.com www.SandyHartmannHomes.comCall Today! 121417 13211 BOCA CIEGA AVE. Madeira Beach 4BR/3FB/2HB/2CG$999,900 2200 SUNSET WAY Pass-a-Grille Beach 5BR+Of ce/4.5BA/11CG$4,499,00015208 GULF BLVD. #208 Madeira Beach 2BR+Den/2.5BA/2CG$1,225,000 KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY TestimonialÂ“Whether selling or buying large or small properties, Sandy Hartmann and her team are skilled and knowledgeable. They know the area and have probably experienced every situation. When we decided to sell again we chose to work with Sandy, because she and her team make you feel as if you are their only clients.Â” ~ Larry & Mary Cunningham ~ OVER $64 MILLION IN HOMES SOLD IN 2017! PRIVATE POOL COVETED LOCATION BREATHTAKING VIEWS ANDREA HARTMANNREALTORÂ¨ SANDY HARTMANNREALTORÂ¨ Pinellas County, misinformation cost one local homeowner quite a lot of 110917Donovan Home Sales, Inc.

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2B Just for Fun Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017A&E newsCentral Park Performing Arts Center adds shows to lineupLARGO Â– Two new performances have been added to the 2017-18 season schedule at Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. Free Fallin: A Tribute to Tom Petty will take the stage Friday, Jan. 5, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $19.50. Free Fallin is honored and humbled to continue performing Tom PettyÂ’s music in the wake of his passing in October. PettyÂ’s music has become the soundtrack for the 20th century and beyond. The Heartbreakers have sold over 80 million records and four of his albums. Presenting a stunningly accurate tribute to the look and sound of the Heartbreakers, Free Fallin has successfully toured the country for more than 10 years performing at festivals, fairs, casinos, and major concert venues. This has earned them a glowing reputation as one of the nest tribute bands in the country. Show Biz Kids: A Steely Dan Tribute will perform Saturday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $14.50. Show Biz Kids came to life in 2014 and is a world-class, 12-piece Steely Dan tribute. This award-winning Tampa-based group of renowned studio and touring veterans combines meticulous, spot-on arrangements with stunning vocal and instrumental performances, bringing Steely DanÂ’s hits to life with the vibrancy and immediacy of a front row experience in a major arena. Show Biz Kids won Creative Loa ngÂ’s Best of The Bay Award for Best Tribute Band in 2016 and has played sold-out performances at Ringside Cafe, SkipperÂ’s Smokehouse, The Palladium and Clearwater Jazz Holiday. For information and tickets, visit LargoArts.com or call 727-587-6793.Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes change concert dateCLEARWATER Â– Due to a scheduling con ict, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes have announced a new concert date at the Capitol Theatre. Tickets purchased for the Feb. 9 show will be honored at the new date on Thursday, March 29, 8 p.m. Reserved tickets priced at $50 and $40 will be available at the Ruth Eckerd Hall ticket of ce, 1111 McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater. For information, call 727-791-7400 or visit www.atthecap.com.Swing dance party to bene t Miracle OutreachCLEARWATER Â– A swing dance party will take place Thursday, Dec. 21,Ben Haggard to play Straz Center Dec. 15TAMPA Â– Ben Haggard will perform Friday, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., in the Jaeb Theater at the Straz Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Regularly priced tickets are $25. Call 813-229-7827 or visit www.strazcenter.org. Like father, like son. In this case, that refers to the hard-driving, real-deal, legendary country music forged by the late, great Merle Haggard. Haggard lives on in this extraordinary tribute to his music and songs by his youngest son. Now a songwriter in his own right, Haggard follows in his fatherÂ’s footsteps, sometimes wearing HagÂ’s boots but often striking out on a path where he can make a little of his own thunder. Haggard has been the lead guitarist in his fatherÂ’s longtime band of the same name since he was 15 years old, fitting in easily with veterans like musical director Norm Hamlet and Scott Joss. He was speci cally directed by his dad to bear the torch as long as there were people who wanted to hear Haggard music. He was a regular on Merle HaggardÂ’s recordings, and took the stage with him and the Highwaymen Â– Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson Â– as well as Blake Shelton for a memorable performance at the 2014 Grammys and for the 2012 All for the Hall show besides two of his idols, Vince Gill and Keith Urban. Last year, Haggard was featured with the Strangers backing Toby Keith for a Merle tribute on the nationally televised American Country Countdown Awards. He also contributed versions of Â“Mama TriedÂ” and Â“Sing Me Back HomeÂ” to 2014Â’s Â“Working ManÂ’s Poet: Tribute to Merle HaggardÂ” album which also featured Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen, Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley. Photo courtesy of THE STRAZ CENTERThe Straz Center welcomes Ben Haggard Dec. 15. Photo courtesy of FREE FALLINFree Fallin, a Tom Petty tribute band, plays Jan. 5 at Central Park Performing Arts Center. See A&E NEWS, page 4B TOWN'S BEST SPORTS COVERAGE 9685 Bay Pines Blvd.SEMINOLE(Across from VA Hospital) $1.00 TacosTue. Wed. Thur. 4pm-7pm393-9110KID FRIENDLYEVERY FRIDAY 55Â¢ WINGS 4-7p mDRINK SPECIALBuy 1 Drink Get 2nd www.thespo r ts b a r a ndgr ill.co mEqual or Lesser Value POOL DARTS VIDEO GAMES 120717HAPPY HOUR DAILY MON. FRI. 11am 7pm UFC 219 PPV Saturday Dec. 30th FOOD FUN COCKTAILS GAMES Y Holiday Christmas Party Dec. 16th Live Music TV Raf e Corn Hole. Come Join the fun! 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CALL US for all your Media Transfer needs! 727-799-3100www.TotalTapeServices.com010517S CrosswordHoroscopesPlace a Number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.SudokuSudoku answers from last week Crossword answers from last week December 14, 2017 AriesMarch 21 Â– April 19Aries, you are giving off serious relationship vibes this week, and others are sure to take notice. If you have a partner, you can strengthen the bond. If not, a good match is in sight.TaurusApril 20 Â– May 20Taurus, you may hit the employment jackpot this week. Those rsums you have been putting out or that promotion you were vying for will be worth the effort.GeminiMay 21 Â– June 21Gemini, the best thing you can do to rekindle a friendship is to spend some time with this person reconnecting. Enjoy a dinner for two or involve yourselves in another activity.CancerJune 22 Â– July 22Those around you know the way to CancerÂ’s heart is de nitely through his or her stomach. Plan an entertaining night out enjoying the newest restaurant in town.LeoJuly 23 Â– August 22Leo, receiving compliments from others certainly provides an ego boost. But you may want something more substantial from a relationship this week.VirgoAugust 23 Â– September 22Virgo, this week you may be tempted to put off some of your more challenging projects at work and focus on yourself. ItÂ’s okay to have some Â“meÂ” time.LibraSeptember 23 Â– October 22Libra, a huge turning point in your relationship is ahead. Communication will help forge a deeper connection between the two of you. ScorpioOctober 23 Â– November 21Scorpio, the best ways to get what you want are to share your desires with others. They may have some solutions youÂ’ve overlooked and can be sources of inspiration.SagittariusNovember 22 Â– December 21Sagittarius, it may take a little time to get used to a new relationship or job. After a few weeks or months, you can sort out what works and what needs some extra effort.CapricornDecember 22 Â– January 20Capricorn, expanding your horizons comes easily when you have close friends who invite you along on all of their adventures. This could prove to be a week with lots of inspiration.AquariusJanuary 21 Â– February 18Mending fences can take a while, but you have the opportunity for some real healing this week, Aquarius. Explore all of your options to get closer to someone.PiscesFebruary 19 Â– March 20You are in an enviable position this week, Pisces. Your nances are in good order, your circle of friends has expanded, and you are happy at work. Across 1. Large jug 5. Anwar __, Egyptian statesman 10. Punjab province capital 12. Evoke 14. Data 16. Exists 18. Supervises ying 19. Having eight 20. Right-handed page 22. NHL great Bobby 23. German municipality 25. Negotiate 26. Keyboard key 27. Youngster 28. Medical decision (abbr.) 30. Ribonucleic acid 31. One-time LeviÂ’s chairman Walter 33. Cold region 35. Type of plywood 37. A way to unfreeze 38. Winter melon 40. Dispute 41. An expression of imagination 42. Human gene 44. Touch lightly 45. Computer giant 48. Garlands 50. Franz van __, German diplomat 52. Vineyard 53. Elk or moose 55. Moved quickly 56. Swiss river 57. Rhode Island 58. Fall into disrepair 63. Ancient Roman virtue 65. Removes 66. Slovenly women 67. Comedian RogenDown 1. Extremely high frequency 2. Court 3. Make a mistake 4. Change the appearance of 5. Long-haired dog 6. The Greatest of All Time 7. Designer Christian 8. Blemished 9. Atlanta-based rapper 10. Deceivers 11. One who supports disorder 13. Colossal 15. A teamÂ’s best pitcher 17. Comfort in a time of sadness 18. Opponent 21. Professionals might need one 23. Captures geographical data (abbr.) 24. Senior of cer 27. Sacred Islamic site 29. Egyptian unit of capacity 32. Comedienne Gasteyer 34. Performer __ Lo Green 35. Having only magnitude, not direction 36. Cleft lip 39. Payroll company 40. Prohibit 43. Stroke 44. Does not acknowledge 46. Hillsides 47. Austrian river 49. Passover feast and ceremony 51. Golf score 54. Hair-like structure 59. Check 60. Extract metal from this 61. Tell on 62. Powdery residue 64. A part of the mind

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Entertainment 3B Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017Green Grass & Yuletide JamCapitol Theatre to present Southern rock show with The Outlaws & special guest The Artimus Pyle Band CLEARWATER Â– The fourth annual Green Grass & Yuletide Jam featuring southern rock legends The Outlaws and special guest The Artimus Pyle Band will take place Friday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m., at Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Tickets start at $39.50. Call 727-791-7400 or visit www.atthecap.com. For The Outlaws, it was always about the music. For 40 years, The Outlaws celebrated triumphs, endured tragedies and survived legal nightmares to remain one of the most in uential and best-loved bands of the Southern rock genre. Formed in Tampa in 1972, The Outlaws Â– known for their triple-guitar rock attack and three-part country harmonies Â– became one of the rst acts signed by Clive Davis (at the urging of Ronnie Van Zant) to his thenedgling Arista Records. The bandÂ’s first three albums Â– Â“The Outlaws,Â” Â“Lady In WaitingÂ” and Â“Hurry SundownÂ” Â– featuring such rock radio favorites as Â“There Goes Another Love Song,Â” Â“Green Grass and High Tides,Â” Â“Knoxville GirlÂ” and Â“Freeborn ManÂ” Â– would become worldwide gold and platinum landmarks of the Southern rock era. Known as Â“the Florida Guitar ArmyÂ” by their fans, The Outlaws earned a formidable reputation as an incendiary live act touring with friends The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band and The Charlie Daniels Band as well as The Doobie Brothers, The Who, The Eagles and The Rolling Stones. With substantial success in the live concert arena and on the strength of repeated chart-topping records, The Outlaws established themselves as premiere players in the phenomenon that came to be known as Southern Rock. After decades of triumph, The Outlaws have endured repeated tragedy in the loss of original members Frank OÂ’Keefe, Billy Jones, and most recently signature singer/songwriter/guitarist Hughie Thomasson. Â“Since the OutlawÂ’s tragic loss of three original members and the survivors moving from Tampa to Nashville for career reasons in the early Â’90s, coming back to the Tampa Bay area for us is a real homecoming,Â” said founding member Henry Paul in a press release. Â“We miss the town Tampa where we formed and played in clubs in the early years dreaming of a record deal and going on the road to play with our heroes. For this yearÂ’s homecoming we share the stage with our old friend Artimus Pyle and the incredible band heÂ’s put together to celebrate the music of his alma mater, Lynyrd Skynyrd. We always look forward to our annual trip back home to see old friends and fans, and if weÂ’re lucky maybe get a crab roll or a real Cuban sandwich. Tampa will always be home to the Outlaws and we still take pride in representing her with musical excellence every time we take the stage.Â” Today, The Outlaws are at the threshold of a new era. Along with original singer/songwriter/guitarist Henry Paul and original drummer/songwriter Monte Yoho, the Outlaws feature Chris Anderson, Billy Crain, Randy Threet, and Dave Robbins. Anderson, lead guitarist and longtime Outlaws band-mate, brings his considerable talent as a player, singer, and songwriter to the band. His solo records for Sony in the early 1990s and his collaboration with Dickey Betts, Dan Toler, Warren Haynes and The Outlaws over the years have helped establish him as one of Southern RockÂ’s most notable players. Crain has become a household name in the southern rock family of exceptional lead guitar players. He has enjoyed signi cant success as a songwriter with his songs cut by such artists as the Dixie Chicks, Poco and Martina McBride. With the Henry Paul Band in the late 1970s, he developed a large following with his legendary musicianship, and with Anderson, forms one of the all-time great lead guitar teams in rock and roll. Threet Â– bassist, singer and songwriter Â– became a member of the Outlaws in 2005 through his previous work with Paul in the country group BlackHawk. He has also played with such artists as Pam Tillis, Larry Boone, Trisha Yearwood, Buddy Jewel, and toured Photo courtesy of RED LIGHT MANAGEMENTCapitol Theatre welcomes The Outlaws Dec. 15.overseas in support of our troops. In 2004 he worked on the USA Network show Â“Nashville StarÂ”. RandyÂ’s high energy, great harmonies and solid bass work make him a popular part of The Outlaws. Robbins plays keyboards and sings harmony vocals in the band. He was featured on the 2005 reunion tour and is an original member of the hit country rock band BlackHawk. His talent puts the nishing touch on this incredibly talented group. The Artimus Pyle Band, opening the show, is more than just a tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd Â– it is a tribute to the man that de ned it. Artimus Pyle has said Â“If it wasnÂ’t for Ronnie Van Zant, no one would know my name.Â” Since his departure from Skynyrd in 1991, PyleÂ’s career has led him down an amazing path of solo records and projects culminating into one of the nest tributes to southern rock royalty. The Artimus Pyle Band is a high energy, true to the music and true to the era rock group.Straz CenterÂ’s Next Generation Ballet to bring Â‘NutcrackerÂ’ to the stage TAMPA Â– The Straz Center for the Performing ArtsÂ’ Next Generation Ballet will present Â“Nutcracker,Â” running Dec. 21-23, in Morsani Hall at the Straz Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. Performances will be Thursday through Saturday, 7 p.m. One matinee will be presented on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets for the show start at $30. Call 813-229-7827 or visit www.strazcenter.org. The performance is sponsored by Chickl-A. New York City Ballet principals Sara Mearns and Amar Ramasar will perform the roles of Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier on Friday and Saturday. Miami City Ballet former principal Patricia Delgado and New York City Ballet principal Gonzalo Garcia will perform Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier on Thursday. The production also features the award-winning dancers of Next Generation Ballet and a cast of nearly 175 dancers, gymnasts and other guest artists in this spectacular holiday extravaganza. Â“NutcrackerÂ” was choreographed by Peter Stark, former NGB artistic director, with a few new additions by Philip Neal, the current NGB artistic director. Sets, props and costumes are designed by Thom J. Peterson. A stepping stone for great dance talent, NGB prepares dancers for professional employment through instruction, coaching and performance opportunities. The company is committed to the artistic, personal and professional development of outstanding young dancers. Performers in NGB have been awarded scholarship opportunities at the leading ballet schools worldwide and have received employment with ballet companies including New York City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and Hamburg Ballet. They have also placed rst in prestigious competitions including Youth America Grand Prix, Prix de Lausanne and the World Ballet Competition. Pre-show activities will include family photos with Santa Claus and live caroling. Photo courtesy of THE STRAZ CENTERNext Generation Ballet brings Â“NutcrackerÂ” to the stage Dec. 21-23 in Morsani Hall at the Straz Center. 121417 12-19-17Winter Special 1214 Redken Color Retouch (substitute highlights for $30 additional)Redken Chemistry System Deep Conditioner Haircut and Blow-Dry Hot or Cold CappuccinoO er ends 12/31/17 Limit one o er per customer Hair Â€ Nails Â€ Cappuccino Bar Call 727-545-1905 CELEBRATING 27 YEARS IN BUSINESS5848 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg www.salonvolo.com121417 THIS OFFER AVAILABLE AS A GIFT CERTIFICATE.70% O Color, Haircut & Style!Your Experience Will Include: Consultation$3995Only 121417 Tickets available at WCP Box Of ce 21905 US 19 N, Clearwater (corner of US 19 & Drew) December 8th-17thEve r y Ch r ist m as Sto r y Eve r Tol d (and then some!) 727.437.2363 www.wcplaye r s.o rgF r i d ay & Satu rd ay n i g hts at 8p m a nd Su nd ay 2p mDirected by Rick BronsonPresented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.Tickets: a d ults $17, stu d e n ts $14, gr oups of 10+ $15 each Â“WCP will donate a portion of ticket sales to RCS. Audience members are invited to make a canned good or cash donation as well.Â” 121417

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4B Entertainment Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017Holiday classicThe Nebraska Theatre Caravan will present Charles DickensÂ’ Â‘A Christmas CarolÂ’ at Ruth Eckerd Hall Dec. 20CLEARWATER Â– The Nebraska Theatre Caravan, the professional touring wing of the Omaha Community Playhouse, will return to Clearwater with its stage production of Charles DickensÂ’ holiday classic Â“A Christmas Carol,Â” playing Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2 and 7 p.m., at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets start at $38.75. Call 727-791-7400 or visit www.rutheckerdhall.com. This celebrated Charles Jones adaptation of Charles DickensÂ’ celebrated holiday fable from Nebraska Theatre Caravan is rich with thrilling ensemble music, alive with color and movement and is created to tell this great and enduring tale in a manner that people of all ages will enjoy. Woven throughout this classic tale are beautiful new arrangements and moving renditions of holiday songs such as Â“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,Â” Â“Wassail Wassail,Â” Â“Good Christian Men Rejoice,Â” Â“Away in a Manger,Â” Â“Greensleeves,Â” Â“The BoarÂ’s Head CarolÂ” and many more. Featuring a cast of 23 performers, live musicians and Broadway-style scenery and costumes, audiences cherish this sumptuous holiday classic. In this adaptation for the stage, Andy Harvey plays Ebenezer Scrooge. Harvey hails from the Mountain State of West Virginia, and currently resides in the Atlanta area. He has his degree in interdisciplinary studies from Liberty University. He has most recently been seen as Nicky/Trekkie in Â“Avenue QÂ” (Springer Opera House), Frollo in Â“The Hunchback of Notre DameÂ” (Alluvion Stage Co.), and The Cowardly Lion in Â“The Wizard of OzÂ” (Crane River Theatre). He likes to paint, write, play guitar, walk in the woods, and the more than occasionally Net ix binge. Other cast members include Tyler Baxter, Alex Baylard, Andy Brown, Loui Clagget, Hannah Day, Sasha Denenberg, Blake Fountain, Emma Johnson, Matthew Blake Johnson, Kelly Kapur, Nick Lemay, Jocelyn Lonquist, Jon McDonald, Alex Mersman, Mackenzie Reidy, Natalie Riegel, Carly Schneider, Anna Segatti, Jo-Jo Steine, Jacob Valleroy, Sarah Williams and Ben Wolfred. Each of the 24-member ensemble supports both the story and the music with exceptional ensemble singing and dancing, while taking on a signi cant character as the story unfolds. The current directors and designers of this production do not attempt to stray from Charles JonesÂ’ original concept. As stewards of the production they strive to convey to each company of players the integrity and the magic that are intrinsic to the piece. A&E NEWS, from page 2B at Fort Harrison Hotel, 210 Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. Doors will open at 7 p.m. A swing dance lesson will be offered from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m. The dance will run from 7:45 to 10 p.m. The Flag Band will perform swing favorites. The event will include a buffet of appetizers and refreshments. There also will be a cake walk. Tickets are $15 and are available at Savoy South Swing Saturday Dances. For information, call 727-564-6847 or email savoysouthdance@ outlook.com. RSVP is required by Dec. 18. All proceeds will bene t Miracle Outreach.St. Pete ArtWorks to host opening receptionST. PETERSBURG Â– An opening reception for Â“Suitcase Art Â… Small Works that can TravelÂ” will take place Saturday, Dec. 16, 6 to 9 p.m., at St. Pete ArtWorks, 635 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. The exhibition will feature small original 2-D and 3-D artwork, jewelry and prints by members of the Gulf Coast ArtistsÂ’ Alliance Inc. The reception will include refreshments and live music by the Joe Milligan Project. The event is free and open to the public. The exhibition will continue through Jan. 13. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. For information, call 727-710-7716 or visit www.stpeteartworks.com.Company Men to play Tarpon Springs Performing Arts CenterTARPON SPRINGS Â– The Company Men will perform Thursday, Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m., at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs. Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for Tarpon Arts members. Visit Tarponarts.org or call 727-942-5605. The Company Men are a nationally recognized pop vocal group who have appeared on numerous national and regional television shows. Featuring performers from the Broadway and national touring companies of Â“Hairspray,Â” Â“The Lion King,Â” Â“Jesus Christ Superstar,Â” Â“CamelotÂ” and the Emmy Award winning NBC mini-series Â“The Temptations,Â” The Company Men bring a signature throwback sound, contemporary look and an allstar band. They have shared stages with and opened for artists such as Mariah Carey, Colbie Caillat, Daughtry, Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole and most recently, Billy Idol and Sheena Easton. Unlike any other four-man vocal group touring today, The Company Men uniquely interweave todayÂ’s Top 40 hits with re-imagined classics of the last six decades by blending songs by favorite artists, including Sam Smith, The Four Tops, Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, Adele, The Temptations, Sam Cooke, The Weeknd, Billy Joel, Prince, Meghan Trainor, Bruno Mars, Michael Bubl, Nick Jonas, The Eagles and more. Composer Uematsu to attend TFO performancesST. PETERSBURG Â– Internationally revered Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu will attend The Florida OrchestraÂ’s performances of Distant Worlds: music from Final Fantasy on Friday, Jan. 26, 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 28, 2 p.m., at The Mahaffey, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. Tickets start at $25. Call 727-893-7832 or visit themahaffey.com. For his rst concerts in Florida, a limited number of ticketholders can attend a VIP meet-and-greet experience with Uematsu. The separate VIP ticket allows each guest to have one item autographed and to take one photo with Uematsu and Grammy-winning conductor Arnie Roth after the concert. Each guest must purchase a concert ticket in addition to the VIP ticket; ticketholders may only purchase the VIP experience that corresponds to their concert ticket. VIP add-on tickets are $50 and may be purchased only online at oridaorchestra.org. Distant Worlds: music from Final Fantasy brings popular characters to life on the big screen in stunning high de nition as The Florida Orchestra performs live under the baton of Roth. The concerts combine new repertoire with 30 years of classics from the Final Fantasy video game franchise. Cosplay is welcome. Merchandise will be on sale before the concert and at intermission. Nobuo Uematsu is one of the most celebrated composers in the video game eld. He has achieved global recognition for his work on the Final Fantasy series that has been performed by world-class orchestras around the world. Uematsu has been recognized as a major contributor in the increasing appreciation and awareness of video game music. A prime example is the Â“Final Fantasy VIIIÂ” theme song, Â“Eyes on Me,Â” composed and produced by him. His song featured Hong Kong pop star Faye Wong and sold a record 400,000 copies. It also won Song of the Year (Western Music) at the 14th annual Japan Gold Disc Awards in 1999, which was the rst time in history that music from a video game had attained this honor. The music from the game series has grown to such notoriety Uematsu was named as one of the Â“innovatorsÂ” in Time MagazineÂ’s Â“Time 100: The Next Wave MusicÂ” feature.Strawberry Festival concert tickets on sale PLANT CITY Â– Tickets to the Florida Strawberry FestivalÂ’s headline entertainment shows on the Wish Farms Soundstage are now on sale. Tickets for each show can be purchased online at www. strawberryfestival.com, over the phone at 813-754-1996 or at the Amscot Main Ticket Of ce located at 2209 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City. This yearÂ’s festival will feature 24 shows including Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, Casting Crowns, Justin Moore with Dylan Scott, The Band Perry and Earth, Wind & Fire. Also part of the lineup will be the I Love the Â‘90s Tour featuring Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa and Tone Loc. Â“We sifted through hundreds of entertainers, working to nd those we thought were the best t for our guests,Â” said Paul Davis in a press release. Davis is president of the Florida Strawberry Festival. Â“WeÂ’re proud of the lineup we have secured.Â” Advance tickets for admission are also available. Advance admission tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children 6 to 12 years old and children 5 years old and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. Guests to the 11-day eventÂ’s concerts will also experience a newly constructed seating area. The eventÂ’s board of directors broke ground on the project in March, and construction is expected to be complete by the end of the month. The new bleacher-style seating will accommodate 9,200 total guests, is closer to the stage and will be more comfortable for guests, Davis said. Another change with the construction project is that the event will no longer offer free seating to headline shows. Â“We have made a lot of changes this year which we think are best in ensuring a bright future for the festival,Â” said Davis. Â“But our patrons seem to be excited about the changes, and, as of this morning, we already have fans camping out in front of the ticket of ce to secure their concert tickets.Â” The 83rd annual Florida Strawberry Festival will take place March 1-11 in Plant City. For information, visit www. strawberryfestival.com. The Law Firm Of Richard P. Caton Announces His New Location at10863 Park Blvd., Suite 5 Seminole, FL 33772 727-398-3600121417 121417 112317EARLY HOLIDAY DEADLINESFOR ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL DECEMBER 28, 2017 PAPER:Retail & Classi ed Display Ads: Thursday, December 21 Â 5pm Classi ed Line Ads: Friday, December 22 Â Noon Editorial Copy: Wednesday, December 20 Â Noon JANUARY 4, 2018 PAPER:Retail & Classi ed Display Ads: Thursday, December 28 Â Noon Classi ed Line Ads: Friday, December 29 Â Noon Editorial Copy: Wednesday, December 27 Â Noon Where The Locals Eat Lunch & Dinner Specials Childrens Menu Outdoor Patio Takeout Always Available Tripadvisor Certi cate of Excellence Award 2011-2017 7 Holiday Gift Certi catesKeegan's Seafood Grille facebook.com/keegansseafood Open Sun.-Thur. 11am-10pm Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm16th Ave. & Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach 727-596-2477 KeegansSeafood.com 121417 Live Music JC Unger Sundays 5:00-8:00pm 121417 Lori Zwissler Licensed Massage Therapist Now at multiple locations by appointment only727-710-0654 Specializing in Therapeutic Massage including: Neuromuscular, Relaxation, Prenatal, and Special Chair Events 120717LIC # MA59758Serving the Tampa Bay Area since 2010. Give the Gift of Good Health Gift Certi cates Available No Expiration Free Aroma Therapy Upon Request SANTA SAYS "They Are Asking For A Massage!" G No e st h

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5B Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017 animal care clinicof Largo 1100 Seminole Blvd., Largo, FL Â 727-614-9732 www.animalcarecliniclargo.com Dr. Shashi Goswami, Dr. Lisa MallettAffordable, Convenient & Quality Care120717 FREE EXAM1 coupon per customer account Services Offered: Surgery, Dentistry, X-Rays and In-House BloodworkLow Cost Vaccine PackagesExam Included Dogs $85 Â Cats $75 Puppy/Kitten $50Expires 1-15-18 Care Animal Hospital of SeminoleKenneth Newman, DVM 32 years of experience 13017 Park Boulevard Â Seminole727-954-3994 Â Careahofseminole.com Annual Vaccines: DOGS $99 CATS $89 121417 Dental Dogs $199 Dental Cats $199 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm Â Sat. 8am-1pm Gentle Professional Affordable In-HomeVeterinary Care for your Best Friend(727) 698-4425hhartdvm@gmail.comHillary Hart, DVM Wellness Exams Microchipping Vaccines Hospice Care In-Home Euthanasia091417 Call For Details12712 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774Matt Facarazzo, D.V.M.101917 FREEwith rest of annual. All Annual Vaccines FREE For new patients with this ad and rest of annual. Expires March 31, 2018727-5 9 69 156 8578 Park Blvd 727-393-4644www.LakeSe m i n oleAH.co m121417 Because she is my best friend My Everything ... Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital & Kennels Voted 2010 through 2017 ReadersÂ’ Choice Winner for Best Veterinary Hospital! 391-9784 Â€ 7785 Oakhurst Roadwww.oakhurstvetcenter.com Extended Hours for your convenience: Mon-Fri, 7am-8pm Â Sat, 8am-2pmCat Friendly Practice Wellness Examinations Risk Based Vaccinations Surgery, Dentistry and Radiography Early Detection Screenings Laser Therapy Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy Parasite Prevention Programs Boarding and Doggie Day Care Bathing and Grooming071317 Mention this ad to receive a 20% Discount On New Patient Examinations!Can not be combined with any other discount. Exp. 12/31/17 Steele Animal Hospital Mon., Thurs., Fri., 8am-5pm Â Tues., 7am-7pm Â Wed. & Sat., 8am-Noon 5305 Seminole Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33708398-7601www.steeleanimalhospital.com Dr. Rita Manarino 121417 The Standard of Veterinary Excellence CALL FOR HOLIDAY SPECIALS! Pet Boutique of Largo13910 Walsingham Road, Largo 727-595-9700011217 FREE Bag of LEAN TREATS with $20 or more PurchaseMust present original coupon PET FOOD DELIVERY AVAILABLE MONDAY SAVE 5% ON ALL SCIENCE/HILLS DIETS We carry: Natural Balance, Solid Gold, Blue Buffalo, California Natural, Wellness, Honest Kitchen, Science Diet and much more Can't nd your favorite food? Call us We work with many distributorsLarge selection and best pricing on Bully Sticks The best investment in your future is an education for a career you can enjoy!1258 West Bay Drive, Suite E., Largo, FL866-5179 546 email: showgroomschool@gmail.comLicensed by the Commission for Independent Education #2118. Florida Department of Education, Tallahassee, FL NOW ENROLLING!Career training to become a pet care professional NEW TEENS PROGRAMJu n io r G r oo m e r s: Young adults begin career training in pet grooming Basic Pet G r oo m e r s: Crash Course! A new career in less than 9 weeks Ke nn el Tech n icia n : Share your heart and be part of a team caring for sheltered, boarded or hospitalized pets. P r ofessio n al Pet G r oo m e r : Our most popular program. Learn all you need to know to work in the pet grooming industry. A d va n ce d G r oo m e r : This artsy program designed for the creative groomer, learn creative design and color Maste r G r oo m e r : Prepare for Master Certi cation or competition.Academy of Animal Arts, Inc. 121417 Pets of the weekMarcusThe warm appeal in his gentle eyes tells the tale of one, who, despite having never known the comfort of a home, remains, at the age of 10, the very soul of sweetness and love. Rat terrier mix Marcus is a former street stray from Miami. He deserves a life with a loving owner in a tranquil environment. Email Canine Estates at director@canineestates. com or call 727-412-0558. Silver BellChristmas kitties Silver Bell, Sugar Plum and Spice are waiting for holiday love and forever homes. Raised in a foster home, the 2-month-old sisters are fun, friendly and ne with other felines. Completely vetted and microchipped, the trio is available at Save Our Strays. Call 727-545-1116. Pictured is Silver Bell, a silver and white beauty. To view other loving cats, visit saveourstraysinc.com. ItÂ’s the holiday season again, a time of year when many families welcome new pets into their households. If this is you, congratulations on your new addition! Pets provide unconditional love and companionship, and you are on your way to having one of the most meaningful relationships of your life. However, having a pet is not just a one-way street. Pets require just as much love and attention as they provide, and there is a lot you need to know to be a good pet parent. We could ll hundreds of pages on the topic for sure, but here are 10 tips to get you started. 1. Most importantly, take your new pet to the veterinarian within two days of adoption. Because of shear volume, shelters are sometimes unable to provide the comprehensive veterinary care needed, and pets from breeders may or may not have been seen by a vet. Your veterinarian will provide a comprehensive exam, schedule any remaining vaccinations, perform diagnostic tests (such as feline leukemia testing and fecal screening), address any medical concerns, suggest an appropriate diet for your pet, microchip your pet, provide heartworm, ea, and tick prevention (if needed for your area), and discuss training and/or behavioral concerns. If your pet is not spayed/ neutered, your vet will discuss the best time for this. 2. Give the pet at least a week to get used to his new environment. For dogs, this means waiting a week before introducing him to dog parks, neighborhood pets, and lots of other people. Rather than giving them access to the entire house initially, keep them in a small room with a baby gate, especially one with hard oors that allow for easy clean-up; the stress of a new home can lead to a lapse in potty training. Crate-training is beyond the scope of this article, but including a crate in this room is highly recommended, as it can provide the dog with a safe place to go and can help with potty training. Also, be sure to provide a variety of toys for entertainment and chewing. Kong toys with frozen peanut butter, pumpkin, or broth provide hours of fun! For a new cat, itÂ’s very important to give them a safe space away from other pets, children, and household clamor, where they can access food, water, and a litter box without disruption by other twoor four-legged family members. DonÂ’t force contact with a cat; let them come to you. Cats are naturally curious creatures and will definitely emerge to investigate once they feel comfortable. Forcing interaction prior to this, when a cat is still feeling unsure of themselves, can create negative associations. Dogs can be introduced right away to other household pets Â– see below for instructions. Wait a week on cats, as the introduction will go far more smoothly if they are comfortable in their surroundings. 3. Potty train! Some pets come with good house or litter-box training, but even in these pets, reinforcement in a new environment is crucial. First and foremost, consistency is key. Establish a feeding schedule and pick up the dish 10-15 minutes after putting it down. Take your new puppy outside first thing in the morning, immediately after meals, and then hourly throughout the day, and just before bedtime. Always go to the same place and say the same command. Give him a chance to sniff around before he goes; it may take him a little while to gure out what is expected. Shower him with praise and/or treats when he goes. If he doesnÂ’t go, keep him in a crate or under direct supervision, and try again in 15 minutes. Once your new pet learns the routine, you will be able to gradually decrease the number of trips outside and increase his freedom in the house. For cats, provide one more litter box than the number of cats. Once placed in the box, most kittens will use it, but you may have to make a practice of placing a new kitty in their box after eating, and hourly thereafter, until they get the hang of it. If they donÂ’t scratch right away, you can move one of their paws in a scratching motion to get them started. 4. DonÂ’t compromise on diet, and ask your vet for recommendations! Some foods have attractive claims and packaging, but not such attractive ingredients. In general, it is good practice to avoid arti cial colors/ avors and preservatives, but your vet will be able to give you names of brands that use more quality ingredients. The higher quality foods will be found at pet stores vs. the grocery store. If your new pet is a puppy or kitten, it is very important that they be fed puppy and kitten-speci c food; the dietary needs of growing animals are different than those of adults! Also, puppies and kittens are more likely to develop low blood sugar, so itÂ’s important to feed them more frequently than adults. As a general rule, pets between 6 weeks and 3 months old should be fed four times daily. From 3-6 months of age, pets should be fed three times daily. After 6 months, you can switch to twice daily feedings. The transition to adult food usually occurs around 1 year, but this can differ by breed and when the animal was spayed or neutered, so be sure to check with your vet. Feed the amount speci ed on the bag for your petÂ’s weight. Always measure! This way, if your pet is too heavy or too thin, adjustments can easily be made. 5. Brush teeth! Dental disease is one of the most frequent health problems encountered in pets today, and it can cause a whole host of problems not limited to the mouth. For example, presence of chronic in ammation in the mouth from heavy dental tartar can make pets more susceptible to many chronic diseases, from diabetes to cancer. Brushing teeth requires some patience and training, and itÂ’s easiest if you start early. Start with a small amount of pet-speci c enzymatic toothpaste on your nger and gently rub the teeth and gums. Reward your pet with praise and treats for staying still and allowing you to do this. Gradually increase the time of each session, and if you can, transition to a toothbrush. Make sure not to neglect that premolars and molars in the back of the mouth! Toothpaste for pets can be purchased at your vetÂ’s of ce or a pet store. 6. Supervise all interactions of your new pet with children. Teach children gentle handling techniques. There are some good books out there that illustrate this very well. My favorites are Â“Tails Are Not for Pulling,Â” by Elizabeth Verdick and Â“May I Pet Your Dog?Â” by Stephanie Calmenson. As a quick synopsis, here are some things to avoid with children: taking food or toys from a dog (cats usually donÂ’t mind, but its good practice to avoid this overall), close face-to-face contact, grabbing the tail or ears, bothering sleeping animals, hugging animals tightly or picking them up. 7. Pet-proof the house and yard. Pets are like children, especially puppies and kittens, they can get into everything! Remove any small items that can be choked on Â– including toys or bones that have been chewed to small fragments, toxic household cleaners, rodent/ insect traps, and poisonous plants. If you are uncertain about the toxicity of your plants, you can look them up at the ASPCA animal poison control web site: aspca.org/ pet-care/animal-poison-control/ toxic-and-non-toxic-plants. Also note that cats, in particular, love to play with string. String can be extremely hazardous to cats, because it can get stuck under the tongue, and then, when swallowed, pulls on the small intestine. So, remove all yarn, thread, ribbon, etc., from the reach of your kitty. Cats also love to get inside washers and dryers, so be sure to keep these closed, as well. Note that some pets are very clever and can get into closed cabinets. Consider child safety locks for cabinets containing poisonous materials. 8. Develop a Â“vocabulary listÂ” and be consistent. If you want a pet to learn to lie down, use the restroom, or walk properly on a leash, consistency and positive reinforcement are key. While training is outside the scope of this article, keep in mind that having one word that is consistently used for each command is the way to go. 9. Have emergency numbers available! Keep the phone number and address of your veterinarian, the nearest emergency veterinarian, and poison control on your refrigerator. The number for the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Center is (888) 426-4435. 10. First impressions matter; short, positive interactions are the key to long-term bliss. For dogs, introduce the new family member to their prospective sibling on neutral territory, like a neighborÂ’s lawn or a park. Do not start with nose-to-nose contact; this may be perceived as threatening. Start with a walk in which the dogs have about 10 feet between them. If this goes well, allow them to make contact with each other still on leash. Give them a few minutes to sniff, then drop the leashes and allow them to investigate each other and even play for a few minutes. Keep the session short; this affords a higher probability of avoiding a tousle and keeping the mood positive. Once the dogs have had a few positive sessions, itÂ’s time to have a meeting in the home. First, remove any food bowls or toys from the area that may incite con ict. Next, let the two dogs meet on leash in the resident dogÂ’s yard. If the interaction is positive, let the new dog go into the home before the resident dog, so the resident dog doesnÂ’t feel he has to defend his turf! Most dogs will do quite well with this Cats are trickier, as they are inherently solitary beings, so a lot more patience is required to introduce them. Upon arrival of the new cat, keep him in a separate room for at least a week, while they adjust to their new environment. After a week, feed the new cat and the resident cat on either side of the door to the new catÂ’s room, so they associate something positive with each otherÂ’s scent. Start with the dishes a few feet away from the door (on either side), and then gradually move the dishes closer to the door until they are touching the door, over the course of a few days. During this time, expose each cat to items that smell like the other. Once they are comfortable with the above, open the door between the two rooms and allow the cats to interact. Observe them closely for signs of aggression and, if seen, separate them, and then restart the introduction process in a few days. If the interaction is friendly, bring both cats into opposite sides of a large room, with toys, treats, or catnip. Again, observe them for signs of aggression, and discontinue the interaction immediately if seen. If the interaction is positive, again, keep it short and sweet. When introducing a cat to a dog or a dog to a cat, start as you would with the cat introduction, but instead of opening the door, place a baby gate across the door, so the cat can escape. Note that some dogs, especially those with strong prey drive, cannot ever be safely placed with cats. After regular short, positive interactions, your family of dogs and cats can be allowed to be together in the house under direct supervision. Until at least a few months of positive interactions, separate them when you leave the house, as their increase anxiety during this time makes negative interactions more likely. If you have a combination of dogs and cats, always give the cat(s) a safe place to escape from the dog(s), whether under direction supervision or not! Now that you are armed with tips, enjoy your new family member! Aimee Vasse, DVM, is a veterinarian at Animal Hospital of Dunedin, 1355 Pinehurst Road.Welcoming a New Pet 101 Speaking of PetsAimee Vasse, DVM BroncoBronco is the cutest little terrier/pit bull mix. Will you be the one to give this 1-year-old a forever home? The Humane Society of Pinellas is still learning more about Bronco every day. Watch the HSP website for live updates on Bronco. Visit www. humanesocietyofpinellas.org or call 727-797-7722.

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6B Entertainment Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017Witness: The TourKaty Perry, touring in support of her new album Â‘Witness,Â’ to take the stage Dec. 15 at Amalie Arena TAMPA Â– Katy Perry will perform Friday, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m., at Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Tickets start at $45.75. Visit Ticketmaster. com or call 800745-3000. Tickets also are available at Ticketmaster outlets and at the McDonaldÂ’s ticket of ce at Amalie Arena. Perry is touring in support of Â“Witness,Â” her new album released June 9. With Â“Witness,Â” Perry reflects on the changes in her own life and in the world around her, delivering songs that both challenge and inspire. The rst two singles Â– the Platinum-certified Â“Chained to the RhythmÂ” featuring Skip Marley and the follow-up single Â“Bon ApptitÂ” featuring Migos Â– hint at the breadth of the musical and thematic elements found on Â“Witness.Â” The North American leg of Witness: The Tour, produced by AEG Presents, kicked off Sept. 7 at Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. All U.S. concerts on Witness: The Tour are presented by X nity. Additional sponsors are Citi, Covergirl and Katy Perry Parfums. For complete tour itinerary, visit katyperry.com. Witness: The Tour follows KatyÂ’s sold-out, 151-date Prismatic World Tour, which concluded in 2015 and was hailed by Rolling Stone as Â“a show to damage retinas and blow minds.Â” Perry made her Capitol Records debut with 2008Â’s Â“One of the BoysÂ” after signing to the label in 2007. She cemented her status as a global superstar with the follow-up album Â“Teenage DreamÂ” (2010). Â“Prism,Â” her 2013 album, debuted at No. 1 on iTunes in 100 countries and has sold more than 12.5 million adjusted albums worldwide. With the singles Â“FireworkÂ” and Â“Dark HorseÂ” each surpassing the 10 million threshold including song sales and streams, Perry is the first female artist to earn two RIAA Digital Single Diamond Awards. In her 10 years with Capitol, she has racked up a cumulative 18 billion streams alongside worldwide sales of more than 40 million adjusted albums and 125 million tracks. She is the most-followed person globally on Twitter. Perry has managed to connect with a mass audience in an industry that is littered with the failed dreams of aspiring wannabes. She attributes her success to just being herself. Â“And thatÂ’s all people want,Â” she says on her of cial Facebook page. Â“People want to hear artists who are themselves, but who do interesting things and sing about them in an interesting way that maybe they have tried to conceive but couldnÂ’t. I get a lot of girls who come up to me and say, Â‘When I heard Â‘Thinking of You,Â’ I felt that way to a T, but I never knew anyone who could put my feelings into words.Â’ I think thatÂ’s why people find me relatable. Plus, anybody can meet me. IÂ’m not distant. IÂ’m very much the same person I was before the hit singles. I just have a schedule for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.Â” The middle child of two pastors, Perry grew up singing in church. Â“My dad would give me $10, which is a lot of money when youÂ’re 9, to sing at church, on tables at restaurants, at family functions, just about anywhere,Â” she says. Perry was raised on a strict diet of church music; Â“secular music,Â” as her mother called it, was Â“not allowed.Â” But one night during a slumber party, Perry happened upon a Queen record Â“and the heavens opened and saved me,Â” she says. Â“From then on, they have been my biggest in uence. Their musicality and lyrics were so flamboyant and real. IÂ’d never heard anything like it.Â” According to her Facebook page, at age 15 Perry was already determined to pursue a path in music. She spent some time in Nashville working with professional songwriters and honing her own songwriting skills. At 17, she met legendary producer and songwriter Glen Ballard, who spent years guiding and developing her talent and songwriting. The strength of the songs and PerryÂ’s full-throated voice captured the attention of Capitol Music Group, which signed her in spring 2007. Â“IÂ’ve been through a lot of highs and a lot of lows in this business,Â” Perry admits. Â“Before I got signed, it was tough. IÂ’d write a check for my rent and next to it, IÂ’d write, Â‘Please, God, please.Â’ But I didnÂ’t jump off the Hollywood sign. Everything always works out for the best.Â” Photo by RONY ALWIN/EMI MUSICKaty Perry brings Â“WitnessÂ”: The Tour to TampaÂ’s Amalie Arena on Dec. 15. Image courtesy of EMI MUSICKaty Perry is touring in support of Â“Witness,Â” her new album.Grammy Award winner John Prine to play Ruth Eckerd Hall Dec. 15CLEARWATER Â– Two-time Grammy Award winner John Prine will perform Friday, Dec. 15, 8 p.m., at Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Tickets start at $63.25. Call 727-791-7400 or visit www.rutheckerdhall. com. Prine is a singer songwriter who, from his eponymously titled rst LP release in 1971, has continued to write and perform songs that have become central to our American musical heritage. Classics such as Â“Angel from Montgomery,Â” Â“Sam Stone,Â” Â“ParadiseÂ” and Â“Hello In ThereÂ” speak to the everyday experience of ordinary people with a simple honesty, and an extraordinary ability to get right through to the heart of the listener. Long considered a Â“songwriterÂ’s songwriter,Â” Prine is a rare talent whose writing is greatly admired by his peers. Performers who have recorded from his extensive catalog, include Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, the Everly Brothers, John Denver, Kris Kristofferson, Carly Simon, Ben Harper, Joan Baez, George Strait, Old Crow Medicine Show, Norah Jones, Bette Midler, Miranda Lambert and many others. Long before the awards and accolades, the concerts and many albums, Prine trudged through snow in the cold Chicago winters, delivering mail across Maywood, his childhood suburb. Â“I always likened the mail route to a library with no books,Â” said Prine in a biography on his of cial Facebook page. Â“I passed the time each day making up these little ditties.Â” His parents, William Prine and Verna Ham Prine, migrated from Paradise, Kentucky in 1934, joining the many others chasing work in the industrial north. They settled in a west Chicago suburb, and raised four boys. John and his brothers Â– David, Doug, and Billy Â– grew up in a close, loving extended family where country music, the Grand Â‘Ol Opry, good Southern cooking, and annual visits Â‘homeÂ’ to Kentucky were as naturally part of their lives as Chicago hot dogs and baseball. PrineÂ’s career now spans more than 40 years. He continues to perform at sold-out shows all over the United States, Canada and Europe. Among the many awards and accolades Prine has received in recent times are his 2003 induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and an Americana Lifetime Achievement Award for songwriting that was honored at the Library of Congress by U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser. For many, Prine has become not just a well-loved and appreciated songwriter, but a genuine American treasure. Prine lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife Fiona. He enjoys spending time with their three sons, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Â“Beyond WorldsÂ” PrineÂ’s rst book, was released in April. In the book, Prine has curated a collection of his best-loved songs. The book includes more than 100 photographs from PrineÂ’s personal collection, copies of handwritten lyrics showing how the songs evolved, commentary from Prine about the songs and photographs and lyrics and guitar chords for over 60 classic John Prine songs. For information about Prine or to purchase a copy of Â“Beyond Worlds,Â” visit johnprine.com. For venue information, visit www.rutheckerdhall.com. Photo courtesy of RUTH ECKERD HALLJohn Prine takes the stage Dec. 15 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. 121417 12939 Walsingham Road, Largo727-517-1111 Â Consignments by Appointment Â Open Tue.-Fri. 10:30-5 Â Sat. 10:30-3 121417Good selection of Holiday Attire and Great GiftsBella's ClosetA Consignment Boutique S t o r e w i d e S a v i n g s Storewide Savings On-Trend Fashions Arriving Daily 20% OFF HOLIDAY SALE! Al m ost Eve r ythi ng I n Ou r Sto r e!Â Elect r o n ics Â Jewel r y Â Much, Much Mo r e!Offer Expires 12-23-17 (Sale excludes rearms) Always Buying Guns & Gold 11115 Se m i n ole Blv d ., La rg o, FL 33778 727-391-0129 Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-5pm Â Sat. 10am-2:30pm Double Eagle Jewelry & Pawn 121417 268 N. Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs 584-9222Monday-Saturday 10am-5:00pm121417 Great Selection of Holiday & Cruise Apparel Gift Cards Available 22 2 1214 17 The coffee is on & the shopping is fun!

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8B Entertainment Seminole Beacon, December 14, 2017Capitol Theatre to welcome Rockapella Christmas Dec. 21CLEARWATER Â– The Rockapella Christmas show will roll into town a few days before Santa Claus, performing Thursday, Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m., at Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Tickets start at $30. Call 727791-7400 or visit www.atthecap. com. TheyÂ’ve become one of the worldÂ’s most sophisticated, lasting, and imitated vocal groups around today. Rockapella is possibly the most in uential group out there in this new era of network television a cappella shows such as NBCÂ’s Â“The Sing-Off,Â” movies like Â“Pitch Perfect,Â” and innumerable college vocal groups that own the corner of cool on campuses everywhere. Since the early Â’90s when they first achieved national television fame on PBSÂ’s Â“Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?,Â” theyÂ’ve toured the globe and provided a funky powerful soundtrack to several generations of vocal music fans, while keeping it all fresh along the way. With buckets of catchy original pop songs, and complete contemporary revisions of sparkling Motown, pop, and soul classics, this group has always been the one to watch. The phrase Â“often imitated Â– never duplicatedÂ” applies here. The current Rockapella lineup features Scott Leonard (since 1991, high tenor), Jeff Thacher (1993, vocal percussionist), Calvin Jones (2013, tenor), Mitchell Rains (2016, tenor) and Bryant Vance (2016, bass). This lineup marks a new generation of Rockapella, who remain keenly focused on musical excellence. Â“People have a hard time believing itÂ’s just us making all of that music. ItÂ’s still those same elements that make modern band music: percussion, bass, melody and harmonies,Â” said Leonard in a press release. Leonard is the groupÂ’s chief songwriter, arranger and an architect of their ever-evolving and imitated dynamic sound. Leonard grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, according to the groupÂ’s of cial website. He eventually departed the Hoosier State for the University of Tampa on a baseball scholarship. Somewhere along the way, he ended up a voice major. He sang in rock groups for Disney in both Orlando and Tokyo for two years, releasing solo albums while in Japan. LeonardÂ’s soaring vocals, songwriting skills and gift for arranging music helped shape RockapellaÂ’s characteristic sound. Thacher is responsible for the astonishing percussion sounds in each Rockapella show. Thacher was born into a musical family and began piano lessons at an early age. Later on, he amassed vocal and choral experience. He earned a degree in music and recording from BostonÂ’s renowned Berklee College of Music. Since joining Rockapella in 1993, Thacher been known as a pioneering giant among professional mouth drummers (a select group of beatboxers) who, as he likes to put it, Â“spit for a living.Â” His powerful virtuosity forms the funky rhythmic heartbeat of Rockapella. Â“Our success is in the art of it Â– itÂ’s not what you do, but how you do it,Â” said Thacher. Jones was born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois. He started singing at an early age, idolizing Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. He previously performed with the vocal group Men of Note and was featured in such theater productions as Â“Dreamgirls,Â” Â“Fabulous Â’50sÂ” and Â“Little Shop of Horrors.Â” Rockapella found Jones performing as a featured singer at Busch Gardens in Tampa. Vance and Rains are the two newest members of Rockapella. Rains also sang on the stages of Busch Gardens. He also toured the country with The CatÂ’s Pajamas. Vance is a veteran singer. He performed as part of the cast in touring productions of Vocalisty and VocaPeople. Together, the members of Rockapella have proven that forming original pop and soul magic onstage is what sets them apart. Â“ThereÂ’s nothing between us and the audience Â– itÂ’s very human music Â– with nothing missing,Â” Thacher explained. Â“We make it rock and make it interesting,Â” Leonard said. Photo courtesy of NEW FRONTEIR TOURINGRockapella brings their Christmas show to Capitol Theatre on Dec. 21.TSO: Â‘Ghosts of Christmas EveÂ’Trans-Siberian Orchestra, celebrating art & accomplishments of groupÂ’s late creator, to play Amalie ArenaTAMPA Â–Trans-Siberian Orchestra is on the road with its highly-anticipated 2017 winter tour, which will include two performances on Sunday, Dec. 17, 3 and 7:30 p.m., at Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Tickets start at $32.25. Visit www.amaliearena.com for details. A portion of the proceeds will bene t local charities courtesy of TSO. Over the last two decades, Trans-Siberian Orchestra has become a critically-acclaimed, multi-platinum, musical powerhouse. Its annual winter tour is a beloved, multi-generational holiday tradition. This yearÂ’s tour, a completely updated presentation of TSOÂ’s unforgettable Â“The Ghosts of Christmas Eve,Â” kicked off Nov. 16. The tour will visit more than 60 cities for over 100 performances before concluding on Dec. 30. TSOÂ’s tour will be a celebration of the art and accomplishments of the lauded groupÂ’s late creator/composer/lyricist, Paul OÂ’Neill, and his inimitable creation, which he dubbed Â“Rock Theater.Â” Prior to his untimely passing in April 2017, OÂ’Neill worked tirelessly with his close-knit team preparing an exciting new take on Â“The Ghosts of Christmas EveÂ” for the 2017 tour. Fans will experience this exciting stage spectacle, including new awe-inspiring effects, and staging, certain to make the story even more engaging for fans. In 1996, OÂ’Neill launched Trans-Siberian Orchestra with a vision for a band that was theatrical, conceptual, and, like the world itself, intended to be ever-changing. In short, everything not expected of rock music at that point in time. Â“I think you can say we knew the odds were against us,Â” OÂ’Neill said in a press release promoting TSOÂ’s platinum anniversary tour in 2016. Â“The industry at that time liked bands they could t into nice, neat, little niches and follow preordained paths to success or failure. We knew that we wanted to break all those rules, we just didnÂ’t know if it would work. Lucky for us there were people at our label who had a blind faith in artists. They were willing to take a chance and support us while we experimented (sometimes successfully, sometimes not) and discovered what we could create Â– without the usual pressure of keeping to a schedule. I canÂ’t imagine that being the case in todayÂ’s music business.Â” Unthinkable in the beginning, TSO has become one of the most unlikely success stories in rock Â‘nÂ’ roll history. Defying the odds with each tour and album, TSO continues to search for new and original ideas to bring to reality no matter how dif cult the challenge. TSOÂ’s successes extend overseas, as well. In Germany, TSO has played to more than 1 million people on New YearÂ’s Eve at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, and in July 2015 performed to a crowd of over 80,000 fans at the Wacken Open Air Festival with a ground-breaking set across the festivalÂ’s massive two main stages. For the Winter Tour 2016, the group brought back its treasured tale Â“The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.Â” The tour visited 61 cities across North America. This yearÂ’s tour also is based on TSOÂ’s multi-platinum DVD and long-running PBS fundraiser Â“The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.Â” The rock opera features such enduring fan-favorites as Â“Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24,Â” Â“OÂ’ Come All Ye Faithful,Â” Â“Good King Joy,Â” Â“Christmas Canon,Â” Â“Music Box Blues,Â” Â“Promises To KeepÂ” and Â“This Christmas Day.Â” Also featured will be a rousing second set containing more of TSOÂ’s greatest hits and fan-pleasers. As in all previous years, a portion of every ticket sold bene ts select local charities. To date, more than $13 million has been distributed from TSO to worthy charities all across North America. Visit www.trans-siberian.com for more details. Photo by JASON McEACHEM/NC MANAGEMENTThe Trans-Siberian Orchestra plays two shows on Dec. 17 at Amalie Arena in Tampa. C h r i s t m a s D a y Christmas Day a t J i m m y Â’ s at JimmyÂ’s Meals served with your choice of Louisiana Craw sh Gumbo, Clam Chowder, Caesar or Garden Salad and Corn & Green Bean Casserole, and Rice, Fries, Baked or Red Bliss Potatoes. Dinners also served with Key Lime, Pecan or Pumpkin Pie.Roast Prime Rib of Beef $ $ 2 4 24 9 5 95Baked Virginia Ham $ $ 2 0 20 9 5 95 Reservations Accepted727-595-8356Just off Gulf Blvd.(in the Holiday Inn Harbourside)Served 11:30am-8pm Â Coupons and other discounts not accepted on Christmas Day.120717401 Second Street Indian Rocks Beach 120717 sheratonsandkey.com 1600 Gulf Boulevard Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 1:00pm-7:30pm ADULTS $45 CHILDREN (6-12) $17 CHILDREN 5 & UNDER FREE RESERVATIONS... (727) 595-1611 ext. 3204 or (727) 593-6000 ext. 3910 SOUP Shrimp & Sweet Basil Bisque COLD STATION International Cheese Display / Tossed Salad / Chilled Grilled Vegetable Platter / Sliced Tropical Fruit & Berries Display / Spicy Flank Steak / Chilled Grilled Duck Breast / Honey Spiral Ham SHERATON SEAFOOD DISPLAY Smoked Salmon / Bronzed Grilled Talapia Turtle Ale Poached Mussels CARVING STATION Prime Rib of Beef / Southern Comfort Glazed Ham FROM THE TABLE Slow Roasted Turkey / Truf e Salt Rubbed Pork Loin Atlantic Salmon / Apple-Walnut Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breast Brussels Sprouts / Ranch Scalloped Sweet Potato Roasted Root Vegetables / Yukon Gold Potatoes DESSERTS Peach Crisp / Bananas Foster / Peppermint Cheesecake Polar Express Cake / French Silk Pie121417 Christmas Day Holiday Buffet